Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications DLL Loading Arbitrary Code Execution Vulnerability
Risk
High
Date Discovered
July 10, 2012
Description
Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications is prone to a vulnerability that lets attackers execute arbitrary code.
An attacker can exploit this issue by enticing a legitimate user to use the vulnerable application to open a file from a network share location which contains a specially crafted Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file.
Successful exploits will compromise the application in the context of the currently logged-in user.
Technologies Affected
- Microsoft Office 2003 SP3
- Microsoft Office 2010 (32-bit edition)
- Microsoft Office 2010 (32-bit edition) SP1
- Microsoft Office 2010 (64-bit edition)
- Microsoft Office 2010 (64-bit edition) SP1
- Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications
- Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications SDK
Recommendations
Block external access at the network boundary, unless external parties require service.
If global access isn't needed, filter access to the affected computer at the network boundary. Restricting access to
only trusted computers and networks might greatly reduce the likelihood of successful exploits.Run all software as a nonprivileged user with minimal access rights.
To reduce the impact of latent vulnerabilities, always run nonadministrative software as an unprivileged user with minimal access rights.Do not follow links provided by unknown or untrusted sources.
To reduce the likelihood of successful attacks, never follow links provided by unknown or untrusted individuals.
The vendor has released an advisory and updates. Please see the references for details.
Credits
Bai Haowen of Huawei Security Labs
|
