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Vulnerability: Vulnerability in VBScript Could Allow Remote Code Execution (981169)

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Details
Vulnerability name/brief description

Vulnerability in VBScript Could Allow Remote Code Execution (981169)

CVE/CAN name CVE-2010-0483
Vendor threat level None
SophosLabs threat level High
Solution

MS10-022

Vendor description Microsoft is investigating new public reports of a possible vulnerability in VBScript that is exposed through the use of supported versions of Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 using Internet Explorer.

Our investigation has shown that the vulnerability cannot be exploited on Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Vista, or Windows Server 2008. The main impact of the vulnerability is remote code execution. We are not aware of attacks that try to use the reported vulnerabilities or of customer impact at this time.

The vulnerability exists in the way that VBScript interacts with Windows Help files when using Internet Explorer. If a malicious Web site displayed a specially crafted dialog box and a user pressed the F1 key, arbitrary code could be executed in the security context of the currently logged-on user. On systems running Windows Server 2003, Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration is enabled by default, which helps to mitigate against this issue.
SophosLabs comments This vulnerability in VBScript can be exploited by crafting a malicious Windows Help file and publishing the file on a malicious web site. The attacker shuld be able to convince the user, by employing social engineering techniques, to press the help function key (F1) and remotely open the malicous help file, therefore executing the malicious code. A proof of concept exploit is publicly available on a security researcher web page.
SophosLabs testing result N/A
Currently known exploits At the time of writing SophosLabs have not observed any malware attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Should this situation change samples will be analyzed and we will take action as necessary.
First sample seen N/A
Discovery date 28 February 2010
Affected software Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4
Windows XP Service Pack 2
Windows XP Service Pack 3
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
References http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/981169.mspx
Credits MAPP
Revisions 2 March 2010 - Initial analysis written
9 June 2010 - Updated with patch identifier

Explanation of terms

Vulnerability Name/Brief Description:
Vendor identifier plus a brief description of the type of attack.

CVE/CAN Name:
Currently assigned CVE name. If a CVE name doesn't exist the CAN name will be used until a CVE has been assigned.

Vendor Threat Level:

Threat level assigned by the vendor

SophosLabs Threat Level:
Threat level assigned by SophosLabs

  • LOW RISK - There is little chance of this vulnerability being actively exploited by malware.
  • MEDIUM RISK - There is a possibility of this vulnerability being actively exploited by malware.
  • HIGH RISK - There is a strong possibility of this vulnerability being actively exploited by malware.
  • CRITICAL RISK - This vulnerability will almost certainly be actively exploited by malware.

Solution:
Vendor-supplied Patch identifier and recommended solution, or workaround if applicable.

Vendor Description:
Summary of the cause and potential effect of the vulnerability provided by the vendor.

SophosLabs Comments:
SophosLabs' opinions and observations of the vulnerability in question.

SophosLabs Testing Result:
Details of completed lab testing, if applicable. Please note that the lab test environment may differ significantly from user environments.

Currently Known Exploits:
List of identities for known exploits, if applicable.

First Sample Seen:
Date of the first sample seen by SophosLabs.

Discovery Date:
Date of the earliest known publically disclosed advisory.

Affected Software:
Vulnerable platforms and software versions.

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