SecurityvulnsSECURITYVULNS:DOC:19599Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-024 - Critical Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (947864)
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-024 - Critical
Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (947864)
Published: April 8, 2008
Version: 1.0
General Information
Executive Summary
This security update resolves one privately reported vulnerability. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user viewed a specially crafted Web page using Internet Explorer. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
The security update is rated Critical for all supported releases of Internet Explorer. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.
The update removes the vulnerability by modifying the way that Internet Explorer processes data streams. For more information about the vulnerability, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) subsection under the next section, Vulnerability Information.
Recommendation. Microsoft recommends that customers apply the update immediately.
Known Issues. Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 947864 documents the currently known issues that customers may experience when they install this security update. The article also documents recommended solutions for these issues.
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Affected and Non-Affected Software
The software listed here have been tested to determine which versions or editions are affected. Other versions or editions are either past their support life cycle or are not affected. To determine the support life cycle for your software version or edition, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle.
Affected Software
Operating System Component Maximum Security Impact Aggregate Severity Rating Bulletins Replaced by This Update
Internet Explorer 5.01 and Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1
Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 Service Pack 4
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-010
Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-010
Internet Explorer 6
Windows XP Service Pack 2
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-010
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-010
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-010
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition and Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-010
Windows Server 2003 with SP1 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-010
Internet Explorer 7
Windows XP Service Pack 2
Windows Internet Explorer 7
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-010
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Windows Internet Explorer 7
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-010
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
Windows Internet Explorer 7
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-010
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition and Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Windows Internet Explorer 7
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-010
Windows Server 2003 with SP1 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems
Windows Internet Explorer 7
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-010
Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 1
Windows Internet Explorer 7
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-010
Windows Vista x64 Edition and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1
Windows Internet Explorer 7
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-010
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems
Windows Internet Explorer 7
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Not Applicable
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems
Windows Internet Explorer 7
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Not Applicable
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems
Windows Internet Explorer 7
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Not Applicable
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update
Where are the file information details?
The file information details can be found in the Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 947864.
Does this update contain any changes to functionality?
Yes. In addition to the changes that are listed in the Vulnerability Information section of this bulletin, there is also a change not related to security. This update includes the following change to functionality:
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Automatic Component Activation: A change is being made to disable the "Click to activate" behavior of Internet Explorer when using ActiveX controls. For more information about Internet Explorer ActiveX controls, please see Information for Developers about Internet Explorer.
I am using an older release of the software discussed in this security bulletin. What should I do?
The affected software listed in this bulletin have been tested to determine which releases are affected. Other releases are past their support life cycle. To determine the support life cycle for your software release, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle.
It should be a priority for customers who have older releases of the software to migrate to supported releases to prevent potential exposure to vulnerabilities. For more information about the Windows Product Lifecycle, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle. For more information about the extended security update support period for these software releases, visit the Microsoft Product Support Services Web site.
Customers who require custom support for older software must contact their Microsoft account team representative, their Technical Account Manager, or the appropriate Microsoft partner representative for custom support options. Customers without an Alliance, Premier, or Authorized Contract can contact their local Microsoft sales office. For contact information, visit the Microsoft Worldwide Information Web site, select the country, and then click Go to see a list of telephone numbers. When you call, ask to speak with the local Premier Support sales manager. For more information, see the Windows Operating System Product Support Lifecycle FAQ.
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Vulnerability Information
Severity Ratings and Vulnerability Identifiers
Vulnerability Severity Rating and Maximum Security Impact by Affected Software
Affected Software Data Stream Handling Memory Corruption Vulnerability - CVE-2008-1085 Aggregate Severity Rating
Internet Explorer 5.01 Service Pack 4 on Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1 when installed on Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Internet Explorer 6 for Windows XP Service Pack 2
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Internet Explorer 6 for Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Internet Explorer 6 for Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Internet Explorer 6 for Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition and Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Internet Explorer 6 for Windows Server 2003 with SP1 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP Service Pack 2
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Internet Explorer 7 for Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Internet Explorer 7 for Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition and Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Internet Explorer 7 for Windows Server 2003 with SP1 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 1
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Vista x64 Edition and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
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Data Stream Handling Memory Corruption Vulnerability - CVE-2008-1085
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Internet Explorer because of the way that it processes data streams. An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by constructing a specially crafted Web page. When a user views the Web page, the vulnerability could allow remote code execution. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the logged on user.
To view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2008-1085.
Mitigating Factors for Data Stream Handling Memory Corruption Vulnerability - CVE-2008-1085
•
In a Web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a Web site that contains a Web page that is used to exploit this vulnerability. In addition, compromised Web sites and Web sites that accept or host user-provided content or advertisements could contain specially crafted content that could exploit this vulnerability. In all cases, however, an attacker would have no way to force users to visit these Web sites. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to visit the Web site, typically by getting them to click a link in an e-mail or Instant Messenger message that takes users to the attacker's Web site.
•
An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the local user. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
•
By default, all supported releases of Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Outlook Express open HTML e-mail messages in the Restricted sites zone. The Restricted sites zone helps reduce the number of successful attacks that exploit this vulnerability by preventing Active Scripting and ActiveX controls from being used when reading HTML e-mail. However, if a user clicks on a link within an e-mail they could still be vulnerable to this issue through the Web-based attack scenario.
Note It cannot be ruled out that this vulnerability could be used in an exploit without Active Scripting. However, using Active Scripting significantly increases the chances of a successful exploit. As a result, this vulnerability has been given a severity rating of Critical on Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008.
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Workarounds for Data Stream Handling Memory Corruption Vulnerability - CVE-2008-1085
Workaround refers to a setting or configuration change that does not correct the underlying vulnerability but would help block known attack vectors before you apply the update. Microsoft has tested the following workarounds and states in the discussion whether a workaround reduces functionality:
•
Read e-mail messages in plain text format to help protect yourself from the HTML e-mail attack vector
You can help protect yourself against this vulnerability by changing your e-mail settings to read e-mail messages in plain text using Outlook 2002 and later, Outlook Express 6 and later, or Windows Mail. For information in Outlook, search “plain text” in Help and review “Read messages in plain text.” In Outlook Express, search “plain text” in Help and review “Reducing your risk of getting e-mail viruses.” In Windows Mail, search “plain text” in Help and review “Security and privacy in Windows Mail.”
Impact of workaround. E-mail messages that are viewed in plain text format will not contain pictures, specialized fonts, animations, or other rich content. Additionally:
•
The changes are applied to the preview pane and to open messages.
•
Pictures become attachments so that they are not lost.
•
Because the message is still in Rich Text or HTML format in the store, the object model (custom code solutions) may behave unexpectedly.
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FAQ for Data Stream Handling Memory Corruption Vulnerability - CVE-2008-1085
What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is a remote code execution vulnerability. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the logged on user.
If a user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
What causes the vulnerability?
When Internet Explorer processes specially crafted data streams, Internet Explorer may corrupt system memory in such a way that an attacker could execute arbitrary code.
What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the local user. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
An attacker could host a specially crafted Web site that is designed to exploit this vulnerability through Internet Explorer and then convince a user to view the Web site. This could also include compromised Web sites and Web sites that accept or host user-provided content or advertisements. These Web sites could contain specially crafted content that could exploit this vulnerability. In all cases, however, an attacker would have no way to force users to visit these Web sites. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to visit the Web site, typically by getting them to click a link in an e-mail message or in an Instant Messenger message that takes users to the attacker's Web site. It could also be possible to display specially crafted Web content by using banner advertisements or by using other methods to deliver Web content to affected systems.
What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
This vulnerability requires that a user be logged on and visit a Web site for any malicious action to occur. Therefore, any systems where Internet Explorer is used frequently, such as workstations or terminal servers, are at the most risk from this vulnerability.
What does the update do?
The update removes the vulnerability by modifying the way that Internet Explorer processes data streams.
When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
No. Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through responsible disclosure.
When this security bulletin was issued, had Microsoft received any reports that this vulnerability was being exploited?
No. Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers and had not seen any examples of proof of concept code published when this security bulletin was originally issued.
Other Information
Acknowledgments
Microsoft thanks the following for working with us to help protect customers:
•
Carsten Eiram of Secunia for reporting the Data Stream Handling Memory Corruption Vulnerability (CVE-2008-1085).
Disclaimer
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.
Revisions
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V1.0 (April 08, 2008): Bulletin published.
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