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Vulnerability: MS09-021 - Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office Excel Could Allow Remote Code Execution
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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Vulnerability name/brief description | Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office Excel Could Allow Remote Code Execution - MS09-021 |
| CVE/CAN name | CVE-2007-0549, CVE-2009-0557, CVE-2009-0558, CVE-2009-0559, CVE-2009-0560, CVE-2009-0561, CVE-2009-1134 |
| Vendor threat level | Critical |
| SophosLabs threat level | Medium |
| Solution | Users are advised to apply the vendor patch for MS09-021 . |
| Vendor description | This security update resolves several privately reported vulnerabilities that could allow remote code execution if a user opens a specially crafted Excel file that includes a malformed record object. 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. |
| SophosLabs comments | During the last 6 months we have seen an increase in the frequency of attacks using Microsoft Excel binary file format, especially in targeted attacks so we assign the threat level high for this bulletin. Security update should be applied as soon as possible, particularly by users of Microsoft Office 2000. These vulnerabilities have been given medium threat level only because we are not aware of any attacks by malware in the wild attempting to exploit them. |
| SophosLabs testing result | N/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 seen | N/A |
| Discovery date | 9 June 2009 |
| Affected software | Internet Explorer 5.01 |
| References | http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms09-021.mspx |
| Credits | |
| Revisions | 9 June 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.
If you need more information or guidance, then please contact technical support.
- Article ID: 59753
- Created: 9 Jun 2009
- Last updated: 9 Jun 2009
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