SecurityvulnsSECURITYVULNS:DOC:24889Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-083 - Important Vulnerability in COM Validation in Windows Shell and WordPad Could Allow Remote Code Execution (2405882)
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-083 - Important
Vulnerability in COM Validation in Windows Shell and WordPad Could Allow Remote Code Execution (2405882)
Published: October 12, 2010
Version: 1.0
General Information
Executive Summary
This security update resolves a privately reported vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user opens a specially crafted file using WordPad or selects or opens a shortcut file that is on a network or WebDAV share. 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.
This security update is rated Important for all supported releases of Microsoft Windows. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.
The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting the way that the Windows Shell and WordPad validate COM objects. For more information about the vulnerability, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) subsection for the specific vulnerability entry under the next section, Vulnerability Information.
Recommendation. The majority of customers have automatic updating enabled and will not need to take any action because this security update will be downloaded and installed automatically. Customers who have not enabled automatic updating need to check for updates and install this update manually. For information about specific configuration options in automatic updating, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 294871.
For administrators and enterprise installations, or end users who want to install this security update manually, Microsoft recommends that customers apply the update at the earliest opportunity using update management software, or by checking for updates using the Microsoft Update service.
See also the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, later in this bulletin.
Known Issues. Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2405882 documents the currently known issues that customers may experience when installing this security update. The article also documents recommended solutions for these issues.
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Affected and Non-Affected Software
The following software 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 Maximum Security Impact Aggregate Severity Rating Bulletins Replaced by this Update
Updates for WordPad
Windows XP Service Pack 3
(KB979687)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
(KB979687)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
(KB979687)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
(KB979687)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems
(KB979687)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2[1]
(KB979687)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2[1]
(KB979687)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2**[1]
(KB979687)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2**[1]
(KB979687)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2[1]
(KB979687)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems[1]
(KB979687)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems[1]
(KB979687)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems**[1]
(KB979687)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems[1]
(KB979687)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Updates for Windows Shell
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2[1]
(KB979688)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2[1]
(KB979688)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2**[1]
(KB979688)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2**[1]
(KB979688)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2[1]
(KB979688)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems[1]
(KB979688)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems[1]
(KB979688)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems**[1]
(KB979688)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems[1]
(KB979688)
Remote Code Execution
Important
None
**Server Core installation not affected. The vulnerabilities addressed by this update do not affect supported editions of Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 as indicated, when installed using the Server Core installation option. For more information on this installation option, see the TechNet articles, Managing a Server Core Installation and Servicing a Server Core Installation. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.
[1]Where both security update packages for WordPad (KB979687) and Windows Shell (KB979688) are available for the same operating system, customers need to install both to be protected from the vulnerabilities described in this bulletin.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update
Where are the file information details?
Refer to the reference tables in the Security Update Deployment section for the location of the file information details.
Does this update contain any non-security related changes to functionality?
This update contains non-security related changes in functionality. For details, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2252664.
In addition to the changes that are listed in the Vulnerability Information section of this bulletin, this update includes a defense-in-depth change. This update includes a mitigation that helps prevent components and controls built using vulnerable versions of ATL from being exploited in the Microsoft Windows releases listed in the vulnerability information section of this bulletin. The new defense-in-depth protections offered in this update monitor and help prevent the successful exploitation of all known public and private library ATL vulnerabilities.
The mitigation addresses the ATL vulnerabilities described in Microsoft Security Advisory (973882) and MS09-035. The change is enabled by default for all affected platforms and will help block ATL vulnerabilities for controls loaded in Microsoft Windows, including those not created by Microsoft.
What is defense-in-depth?
In information security, defense-in-depth refers to an approach in which multiple layers of defense are in place to help prevent attackers from compromising the security of a network or system.
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. For more information about the product lifecycle, visit the Microsoft Support Lifecycle Web site.
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. To determine the support lifecycle for your software release, see Select a Product for Lifecycle Information. For more information about service packs for these software releases, see Lifecycle Supported Service Packs.
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 in the Contact Information list, 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 Microsoft Support Lifecycle Policy FAQ.
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Vulnerability Information
Severity Ratings and Vulnerability Identifiers
The following severity ratings assume the potential maximum impact of the vulnerability. For information regarding the likelihood, within 30 days of this security bulletin's release, of the exploitability of the vulnerability in relation to its severity rating and security impact, please see the Exploitability Index in the October bulletin summary. For more information, see Microsoft Exploitability Index.
Vulnerability Severity Rating and Maximum Security Impact by Affected Software
Affected Software COM Validation Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1263 Aggregate Severity Rating
WordPad
Windows XP Service Pack 3
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2**
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2**
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems**
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows Shell
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2**
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2**
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems**
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems
Important
Remote Code Execution
Important
**Server Core installation not affected. The vulnerabilities addressed by this update do not affect supported editions of Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 as indicated, when installed using the Server Core installation option. For more information on this installation option, see the TechNet articles, Managing a Server Core Installation and Servicing a Server Core Installation. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.
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COM Validation Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1263
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the Windows Shell and WordPad validate COM object instantiation. 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 affected than users who operate with administrative user rights.
To view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2010-1263.
Mitigating Factors for COM Validation Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1263
Mitigation refers to a setting, common configuration, or general best-practice, existing in a default state, that could reduce the severity of exploitation of a vulnerability. The following mitigating factors may be helpful in your situation:
•
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.
•
The vulnerability could not be exploited automatically through e-mail. For an attack to be successful a user must open an attachment that is sent in an e-mail message. The user would be prompted to open the file or not, unless the user had previously unchecked the option, "Always ask before opening this type of file."
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Workarounds for COM Validation Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1263
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:
•
Do not use WordPad to open documents from untrusted sources
Do not use WordPad to open documents that you receive from untrusted sources or that you receive unexpectedly from trusted sources. This vulnerability could be exploited when a user opens a specially crafted file.
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FAQ for COM Validation Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1263
What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is a remote code execution vulnerability. 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.
What causes the vulnerability?
Windows Shell and WordPad inadequately validate COM objects when instantiated.
What is COM?
Microsoft COM (Component Object Model) technology in the Microsoft Windows Operating System enables software components to communicate. COM is used by developers to create re-usable software components, link components together to build applications, and take advantage of Windows services. For more information on COM, see the Microsoft article, What is COM?
What is the Windows Shell?
The Windows user interface (UI) provides users with access to a wide variety of objects necessary for running applications and managing the operating system. The most numerous and familiar of these objects are the folders and files that reside on computer disk drives. There are also a number of virtual objects that allow the user to perform tasks such as sending files to remote printers or accessing the Recycle Bin. The Shell organizes these objects into a hierarchical namespace and provides users and applications with a consistent and efficient way to access and manage objects.
What is WordPad?
WordPad is a basic word processor that is included in Microsoft Windows. A word processor is a computer program that you can use to create, edit, view, and print text documents. With WordPad, you can type letters, book reports, and other simple documents. You can also change how the text looks, quickly move sentences and paragraphs around, and copy and paste text within and between documents. For more information on WordPad, see Using WordPad.
What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code as the logged-on user. If a user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker could take complete control of the 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.
How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
The WordPad attack vector requires that a user open a specially crafted WordPad file within an affected version of Microsoft Windows.
In an e-mail attack scenario, an attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending a specially crafted WordPad file to the user and by convincing the user to open the file.
In a Web-based attack scenario, an attacker would have to host a Web site that contains a specially crafted WordPad file that is used to attempt to exploit this vulnerability. In addition, compromised Web sites and Web sites that accept or host user-provided content could contain specially crafted content that could exploit this vulnerability. An attacker would have no way to force users to visit a specially crafted Web site. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to visit the Web site, typically by getting them to click a link that takes them to the attacker's site.
The Windows Shell attack vector utilizes search capabilities and requires that a user open or select a shortcut file that is present on a network or a WebDAV share. An attacker would have no way to force users to visit a specially crafted WebDAV or Network Share. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to visit the share, typically by getting them to click a shortcut link that takes them to the attacker's controlled site.
What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
All operating systems listed in the affected software table are at risk. Servers could be at more risk if administrators allow users to log on to servers and to run programs. However, best practices strongly discourage allowing this.
What does the update do?
The update corrects the way that Windows Shell and WordPad validate COM objects to be instantiated.
When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
No. Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through coordinated vulnerability 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 when this security bulletin was originally issued.
Other Information
Acknowledgments
Microsoft thanks the following for working with us to help protect customers:
•
HD Moore of Rapid7 for reporting the COM Validation Vulnerability (CVE-2010-1263)
•
David Dewey of IBM ISS X-Force and Ryan Smith of Accuvant, formerly of VeriSign iDefense Labs, for working with us on the defense-in-depth changes addressed in this bulletin.
Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP)
To improve security protections for customers, Microsoft provides vulnerability information to major security software providers in advance of each monthly security update release. Security software providers can then use this vulnerability information to provide updated protections to customers via their security software or devices, such as antivirus, network-based intrusion detection systems, or host-based intrusion prevention systems. To determine whether active protections are available from security software providers, please visit the active protections Web sites provided by program partners, listed in Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) Partners.
Support
•
Customers in the U.S. and Canada can receive technical support from Security Support or 1-866-PCSAFETY. There is no charge for support calls that are associated with security updates. For more information about available support options, see Microsoft Help and Support.
•
International customers can receive support from their local Microsoft subsidiaries. There is no charge for support that is associated with security updates. For more information about how to contact Microsoft for support issues, visit the International Support Web site.
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
•
V1.0 (October 12, 2010): Bulletin published.
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