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Vulnerability: MS09-003. Critical Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Could Allow Remote Code Execution (959239)

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 Details
Vulnerability name/brief descriptionCritical Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Could Allow Remote Code Execution (959239) - MS09-003
CVE/CAN name

 CVE-2009-0098

Vendor threat levelCritical
SophosLabs threat levelHigh
Solution

Users are advised to apply the vendor patch for MS09-003 .

Vendor description

This security update resolves two privately reported vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Server. The first vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a specially crafted TNEF message is sent to a Microsoft Exchange Server. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of the affected system with Exchange Server service account privileges. The second vulnerability could allow denial of service if a specially crafted MAPI command is sent to a Microsoft Exchange Server. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could cause the Microsoft Exchange System Attendant service and other services that use the EMSMDB32 provider to stop responding.

SophosLabs comments

The patched vulnerabilities may result in remote code execution or denial-of-service.  They can be exploited by simply sending TNEF encapsulated emails to vulnerable Microsoft Exchange Servers and so the vulnerability is assigned a high threat level.

SophosLabs testing resultN/A
Currently known exploits

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 seenN/A
Discovery date10 February 2009
Affected software

Microsoft Exchange Server 2000 SP3
Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 SP2
Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 SP1

References

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms09-003.mspx
http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2009-0098

Credits

Microsoft MAPP program

Revisions

10 February 2009 - 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.

 

 

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