Microsoft Windows Print Spooler service contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code. Updates are available.
Description
Microsoft Windows Print Spooler service contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.
The vulnerability exists because the affected Print Spooler service on a targeted device improperly handles specially crafted responses to print spooler network requests. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted responses to the affected software. If successful, the attacker could execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges, resulting in a complete compromise of the system.
Microsoft has confirmed the vulnerability in a security bulletin and released software updates.
Warning Indicators
The following Microsoft Platforms are vulnerable:
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems SP1 and prior
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems SP1 and prior
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems SP1 and prior
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems SP1 and prior
IntelliShield Analysis
To exploit the vulnerability, the attacker must send malicious requests to the targeted system, likely requiring the attacker to have access to trusted, internal networks. This access requirement limits the likelihood of a successful exploit.
Microsoft has corrected this vulnerability by modifying the way the Windows Print Spooler service handles specially crafted responses.
The Cisco Applied Intelligence team has created an Applied Mitigation Bulletin to address vulnerabilities that Microsoft disclosed in the January 2013 security bulletin release. This Cisco bulletin, which assists administrators in identifying or mitigating these vulnerabilities using Cisco devices, is available at the following link: Cisco Applied Mitigation Bulletin: Microsoft Security Bulletin Release for January 2013
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS13-001
Impact
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the targeted system with elevated privileges, possibly resulting in a complete system compromise.
Technical Information
The vulnerability exists because the affected Print Spooler service on a targeted device improperly handles specially crafted responses to print spooler network requests.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted network printer responses to print spooler network requests. When the software processes the malicious responses, the attacker could execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges, resulting in a complete compromise of the system.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Administrators may consider disabling the Print Spooler service if appropriate.
Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to have network access.
Administrators may consider using the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) scan tool to identify common security misconfigurations and missing security updates on system endpoints.
Administrators may consider using IP-based access control lists (ACLs) to allow only trusted systems to access the affected systems.
Administrators are advised to monitor critical systems.
Patches/Software
Microsoft customers can obtain updates directly by using the links in the security bulletin. These updates are also distributed by Windows automatic update features and available on the Microsoft Update service. Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Systems Management Server, and System Center Configuration Manager can assist administrators in deploying software updates.
The security vulnerability applies to the following combinations of products.
Primary Products:
Microsoft, Inc.
Windows 7
for 32-bit systems SP1 | for x64-based systems Base, SP1
Microsoft, Inc.
Windows Server 2008 R2
Itanium-Based Systems Edition Base, SP1 | x64-Based Systems Edition Base, SP1
Associated Products:
N/A
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