Vulnerability: MS08-051. Microsoft PowerPoint vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution (949785)
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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Vulnerability name/brief description | Vulnerabilities in Microsoft PowerPoint Could Allow Remote Code Execution (949785) - MS08-051 |
| CVE/CAN name | CVE-2008-0120, CVE-2008-121, CVE-2008-1455 |
| Vendor threat level | Critical |
| SophosLabs threat level | Medium |
| Solution | Users are advised to apply the vendor patch MS08-051. |
| Vendor description | This security update resolves three privately reported vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office PowerPoint and Microsoft Office PowerPoint Viewer that could allow remote code execution if a user opens a specially crafted PowerPoint file. An attacker who successfully exploited any of these vulnerabilities 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. |
| SophosLabs comments | There are three separate vulnerabilities fixed in patch for this security bulletin, discovered by Ruben Santamarta and ADLab. The in- depth technical explanation is available on the respective websites, which indicates that this vulnerabilities may be exploited by malware writers. |
| SophosLabs testing result | N/A |
| Currently known exploits | This issue was privately reported to Microsoft. At the time of writing SophosLabs has seen no samples of malware attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Should this situation change samples will be analysed and we will take action as necessary. |
| First sample seen | N/A |
| Discovery date | 12 August 2008 |
| Affected software | Office PowerPoint 2000 Office PowerPoint 2002 Office PowerPoint 2003 Office PowerPoint 2007 Office PowerPoint Viewer 2003 Office Compatibility Pack for 2007 File Formats Office 2004 for Mac |
| References | http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-051.mspx |
| Credits | N/A |
| Revisions | 13 August 2008 - initial analysis written |
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.
If you need more information or guidance, then please contact technical support.
- Article ID: 43638
- Created: 13 Aug 2008
- Last updated: 22 Jan 2009
