Microsoft Security Advisory (981169)

ronjor · Mar 1, 2010

Executive Summary

Microsoft is investigating new public reports of a vulnerability in VBScript that is exposed on supported versions of Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 through the use of Internet Explorer. Our investigation has shown that the vulnerability cannot be exploited on Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Vista, or Windows Server 2008. The main impact of the vulnerability is remote code execution. We are not aware of attacks that try to use the reported vulnerabilities or of customer impact at this time.

The vulnerability exists in the way that VBScript interacts with Windows Help files when using Internet Explorer. If a malicious Web site displayed a specially crafted dialog box and a user pressed the F1 key, arbitrary code could be executed in the security context of the currently logged-on user. On systems running Windows Server 2003, Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration is enabled by default, which helps to mitigate against this issue.

We are actively working with partners in our Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) to provide information that they can use to provide broader protections to customers.

Upon completion of this investigation, Microsoft will take the appropriate action to help protect our customers. This may include providing a security update through our monthly release process or providing an out-of-cycle security update, depending on customer needs.

Microsoft is concerned that this new report of a vulnerability was not responsibly disclosed, potentially putting computer users at risk. We continue to encourage responsible disclosure of vulnerabilities. We believe the commonly accepted practice of reporting vulnerabilities directly to a vendor serves everyone's best interests. This practice helps to ensure that customers receive comprehensive, high-quality updates for security vulnerabilities without exposure to malicious attackers while the update is being developed.
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Microsoft

Watasha · Mar 1, 2010

Wow, a security vulnerability involving IE, imagine that. Thanks for the heads up though.

MikeBCda · Mar 2, 2010

I hardly ever bother with F1, use the Help menu item instead when necessary. Any idea whether this gets around the problem, or is it simply a different way of getting into the same vulnerability? I'd guess the latter, if (assuming I understand correctly) the main vulnerability is inherent in the HLP files themselves.

dalecosp · Mar 4, 2010

He's got a point. I dunno many Windoze users who *ever* hit F1.

Rasheed187 · Mar 7, 2010

Strange though, I thought that if you simply blocked execution of hh.exe it would block access to the help file, but I didn´t. But it´s also possible to disable the help menu in IE with Group Policies.

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Microsoft Security Advisory (981169)

ronjor Global Moderator

Watasha Registered Member

MikeBCda Registered Member

dalecosp Registered Member

Rasheed187 Registered Member

Log in or Sign up

Microsoft Security Advisory (981169)

ronjor Global Moderator

Watasha Registered Member

MikeBCda Registered Member

dalecosp Registered Member

Rasheed187 Registered Member

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