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Vulnerability: MS09-024 - Vulnerability in Microsoft Works Converters Could Allow Remote Code Execution

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 Details
Vulnerability name/brief descriptionVulnerability in Microsoft Works Converters Could Allow Remote Code Execution - MS09-024
CVE/CAN name

CVE-2009-1533

Vendor threat levelCritical
SophosLabs threat levelMedium
Solution

Users are advised to apply the vendor patch for MS09-024 .

Vendor description

This security update resolves a privately reported vulnerability in the Microsoft Works converters. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user opens a specially crafted Works file. 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.

SophosLabs comments

Vulnerabilities that can be exploited via a specially crafted file are extremely attractive to malware authors, however this is not a publicly disclosed vulnerability. Users of Microsoft Works are advised to be cautious of Works files that may be sent to them as email attachments from unknown sources and should apply this Microsoft update at the earliest convenience.

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 date9 June 2009
Affected software

Microsoft Works 8.5
Microsoft Works 9
Microsoft Office 2000, Service Pack 3
Microsoft Office XP, Service Pack 3
Microsoft Office 2003, Service Pack 3
2007 Microsoft System Service pack 1

References

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms09-024.mspx
http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2009-1533

Credits

Microsoft MAPP program

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.

 

 

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