Microsoft Security Advisory (2286198)

Microsoft has released Security Advisory 2286198, which addresses a publicly reported vulnerability in Windows Shell. From the Security Advisory:

"The vulnerability exists because Windows incorrectly parses shortcuts in such a way that malicious code may be executed when the user clicks the displayed icon of a specially crafted shortcut. This vulnerability is most likely to be exploited through removable drives."

If AutoPlay is disabled, particularly for USB devices, in order for the vulnerability to be exploited, it would be necessary to manually browse to the root folder of the removable disk. AutoPlay for removable disks is automatically disabled on Windows 7. In the event you have enabled AutoPlay, it is strongly advised that it be disabled.

To disable AutoPlay the prerequisites in Microsoft KB Article 967715 must first be installed. If your computer is up-to-date, they are already installed. The KB Article also includes instructions on "How to disable the Autorun functionality in Windows".

Note that it is additionally reported on the MSRC Blog that, "In the wild, this vulnerability has been found operating in conjunction with the Stuxnet malware". For more information on Stuxnet, see the MMPC blog post. Of further interest, as the MSRC Blog reports

"signatures in up-to-date versions of Microsoft Security Essentials, Microsoft Forefront Client Security, Windows Live OneCare, the Forefront Threat Management Gateway, and the Windows Live Safety Platform protect customers against the Stuxnet malware."

References:

• MMPC: The Stuxnet Sting
• MSRC: Security Advisory 2286198 Released
• TechNet: Security Advisory 2286198
• How to disable the Autorun functionality in Windows

Clubhouse Tags: Clubhouse, Microsoft, Windows, Security, Vulnerabilities, Information,

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

July 2010 Security Bulletin Release

Microsoft released 4 security bulletins to address 5 vulnerabilities in Windows and Microsoft Office. In-depth information on MS10-024 is available in the Security Research & Defense blog.

Following is the description of the bulletins from the MSRC Blog,

"MS10-042 resolves a publicly disclosed and actively exploited vulnerability discussed in Security Advisory 2219475. The update addresses an issue in the Windows Help and Support Center feature included in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. Even though this issue affects Server 2003, we have not found an attack vector on that platform so the severity rating is Low. Windows XP customers should install this update as soon as possible.

MS10-043 resolves a publicly disclosed vulnerability in the Canonical Display Driver (cdd.dll). Although it is possible that the vulnerability could allow code execution, successful code execution is unlikely due to memory randomization. In most scenarios, it is much more likely that an attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could cause a Denial of Service (DoS). Note that this bulletin affects only 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 with Windows Aero enabled. Aero is not installed by default on Server 2008 R2. We are not aware of any active attacks against this issue.

MS10-044 resolves two privately reported vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office Access ActiveX Controls. This issue could allow remote code execution if a customer with Access installed opened a specially crafted Office file, or viewed a Web page that instantiated Access ActiveX controls. This security update is rated Critical for supported editions of Microsoft Office Access 2003 and Microsoft Office Access 2007.

MS10-045 This security update resolves another privately reported vulnerability that could allow remote code execution if a customer opened an attachment in a specially crafted e-mail message using an affected version of Outlook -- Microsoft Outlook 2002, Microsoft Office Outlook 2003, or Microsoft Office Outlook 2007.

References:

• MSRC: July 2010 Security Bulletin Release
• TechNet: Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for July 2010
• MS10-042: Vulnerability in Help and Support Center

Clubhouse Tags: Clubhouse, Microsoft, Windows, Security, Updates, Vulnerabilities, Information,

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

July 2010 Bulletin Release Advance Notification

On July 13, 2010 Microsoft is planning to release four (4) new security bulletins addressing 5 vulnerabilities. Two of the bulletins are currently rated as critical. The bulletin summary is below.

In addition, Microsoft is closing out two Security Advisories this month:

• Security Advisory 2028859 (Vulnerability in Canonical Display Driver Could Allow Remote Code Execution) in the July bulletins.
• Security Advisory 2219475 (Vulnerability in Windows Help and Support Center Could Allow Remote Code Execution) with a comprehensive update that addresses the issue currently under attack.

=================================
NEW BULLETIN SUMMARY
=================================

Bulletin ID: Bulletin 1
Maximum Severity Rating: Critical
Vulnerability Impact: Remote Code Execution
Restart Requirement: May require restart
Affected Software: Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.

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Bulletin ID: Bulletin 2
Maximum Severity Rating: Critical
Vulnerability Impact: Remote Code Execution
Restart Requirement: Requires restart
Affected Software: Microsoft Windows 7 for x64-based systems and Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based systems.

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Bulletin ID: Bulletin 3
Maximum Severity Rating: Critical
Vulnerability Impact: Remote Code Execution
Restart Requirement: May require restart
Affected Software: Microsoft Office Access 2003 and Office Access 2007.

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Bulletin ID: Bulletin 4
Maximum Severity Rating: Important
Vulnerability Impact: Remote Code Execution
Restart Requirement: May require restart
Affected Software: Microsoft Office Outlook 2002, Office Outlook 2003, and Office Outlook 2007.



References:

• MSRC Blog: July 2010 Bulletin Release Advance Notification
• TechNet: Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification for July 2010

Clubhouse Tags: Clubhouse, Microsoft, Windows, Security, Updates, Vulnerabilities, Information,

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...