MS-ISAC ADVISORY NUMBER:
2008-028

DATE(S) ISSUED:
8/12/2008

SUBJECT:
Vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Image Color Management System Could Allow Remote Code Execution

OVERVIEW:

A vulnerability has been discovered in the way Microsoft Windows handles images. This vulnerability can be exploited if a user views a malicious image file. The primary vectors for making malicious image content available include web pages, as well as email, instant messaging (IM), and documents. Successful exploitation will result in an attacker gaining the same privileges as the logged on user. If the user is logged in with administrator privileges, the attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full privileges.

 

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

  • Windows 2000 SP4
  • Windows XP SP2 & SP3
  • Windows XP x64 SP2
  • Windows 2003 SP1 & SP2
  • Windows 2003 x64 SP1 & SP3
  • Windows 2003 SP1 & SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

RISK:

Government:
Large and medium government entities: High
Small government entities: High

Businesses:
Large and medium business entities: High
Small business entities: High

Home users: High

DESCRIPTION:
A vulnerability has been discovered in the Microsoft Image Color Management System (ICM) that will possibly trigger a heap-based buffer overflow. The vulnerability is due to an error in memory handling when processing MetaFile content. Successful exploitation will result in an attacker gaining the same privileges as the logged on user. If the user is logged in with administrator privileges, the attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full privileges.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend the following actions be taken:

  • Apply appropriate patches provided by Microsoft to vulnerable systems immediately after appropriate testing.
  • If possible, change global default email options so that all mail is viewed in text format.
  • Consider enabling Data Execution Prevention (DEP).
  • Avoid opening unsolicited emails and unexpected files.

REFERENCES:

Microsoft:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-046.mspx(New Window)

CVE:
http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2008-2245(New Window)

SecurityFocus:
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/30594(New Window)


This cyber advisory was issued by the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) and was intended for government entities. The information may or may not be applicable to the general public and accordingly, the MS-ISAC does not warrant its use for any specific purposes.