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HistoryJul 10, 2003 - 12:00 a.m.

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS03-023: Buffer Overrun In HTML Converter Could Allow Code Execution (Q823559)

2003-07-1000:00:00
vulners.com
68

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Title: Buffer Overrun In HTML Converter Could Allow Code
Execution (823559)
Date: 09 July 2003
Software: Microsoft(r) Windows (r) 98
Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
Microsoft Windows Me
Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Terminal Services Edition
Microsoft Windows 2000
Microsoft Windows XP
Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Impact: Allow an attacker to execute code of their choice
Max Risk: Critical
Bulletin: MS03-023

Microsoft encourages customers to review the Security Bulletins
at:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS03-023.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/security/security_bulletins/ms03-023.asp


Issue:

All versions of Microsoft Windows contain support for file
conversion within the operating system. This functionality allows
users of Microsoft Windows to convert file formats from one to
another. In particular, Microsoft Windows contains support for
HTML conversion within the operating system. This functionality
allows users to view, import, or save files as HTML.

There is a flaw in the way the HTML converter for Microsoft
Windows handles a conversion request during a cut-and-paste
operation. This flaw causes a security vulnerability to exist. A
specially crafted request to the HTML converter could cause the
converter to fail in such a way that it could execute code in the
context of the currently logged-in user. Because this
functionality is used by Internet Explorer, an attacker could
craft a specially formed Web page or HTML e-mail that would cause
the HTML converter to run arbitrary code on a user's system. A
user visiting an attacker's Web site could allow the attacker to
exploit the vulnerability without any other user action.

To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would have to create
a specially-formed HTML e-mail and send it to the user.
Alternatively, an attacker would have to host a malicious Web
site that contains a Web page designed to exploit this
vulnerability. The attacker would then have to persuade a user to
visit that site.

Mitigating factors:

  • By default, Internet Explorer on Windows Server 2003 runs in
    Enhanced Security Configuration. This default configuration of
    Internet Explorer blocks automatic exploitation of this attack.
    If Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration has been
    disabled, the protections put in place that prevent this
    vulnerability from being automatically exploited would be
    removed.

  • In the Web-based attack scenario, the attacker would have to
    host a Web site that contained a Web page used to exploit this
    vulnerability. An attacker would have no way to force users to
    visit a malicious Web site outside the HTML e-mail vector.
    Instead, the attacker would need to lure them there, typically by
    getting them to click a link that would take them to the
    attacker's site.

  • Exploiting the vulnerability would allow the attacker only the
    same privileges as the user. Users whose accounts are configured
    to have few privileges on the system would be at less risk than
    ones who operate with administrative privileges.

Risk Rating:

Critical

Patch Availability:

  • A patch is available to fix this vulnerability. Please read
    the Security Bulletins at

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms03-023.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/security/security_bulletins/ms03-023.asp

for information on obtaining this patch.


THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS
PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT
DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS
BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL
DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT
ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL
OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

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