January 11, 2010 - Current Activity

VMware Releases Multiple Updates for ESX

VMware has released Security Advisory VMSA-2010-0001 to address multiple vulnerabilities in ESX Service Console packages for Network Security Services (NSS) and NetScape Portable Runtime (NSPR). Exploitation of these vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to obtain sensitive information, cause a denial-of-service condition, bypass security restrictions, and compromise a vulnerable system.

Additionally, VMware has updated two previously released advisories: VMSA-2009-0014.2 that addresses vulnerabilities in the DHCP, Service Console Kernel, and Java JRE packages for ESX, and VMSA-2009-0004.3 that addresses vulnerabilities in the OpenSSL, BIND, and Vim packages for ESX.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review VMware Security Advisory VMSA-2010-0001, VMSA-2009-0014.2, and VMSA-2009-0004.3 and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risks.

Microsoft Releases Advance Notification for January Security Bulletin

Microsoft has issued a Security Bulletin Advance Notification indicating that its January release cycle will contain one bulletin, which will have a severity rating of Critical. The notification states that this bulletin is for Microsoft Windows. Release of this bulletin is scheduled for Tuesday, January 12.

US-CERT will provide additional information as it becomes available.

PowerDNS Recursor Update Addresses Multiple Vulnerabilities

PowerDNS has released PowerDNS Recursor 3.1.7.2 to address multiple vulnerabilities. Exploitation of these vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, cause a denial-of-service condition, or spoof DNS information.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review PowerDNS Security Advisories 2010-01 and 2010-02 and apply any necessary updates.

Adobe Releases Security Update for Flash Media Server

Adobe has released a security bulletin to address multiple vulnerabilities in Flash Media Server (FMS) 3.5.2 and earlier.  These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service condition.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review Adobe security bulletin APSB09-18 and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risks.

Cisco Releases Security Advisory for Cisco WebEx WRF Player Vulnerabilities

Cisco has released a security advisory to address multiple vulnerabilities in WebEx WRF Player. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review Cisco security advisory cisco-sa-20091216-webex and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risks.

Mozilla Releases Firefox 3.5.6 and Firefox 3.0.16

Mozilla has released Firefox 3.5.6 and Firefox 3.0.16 to address multiple vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, cause a denial-of-service condition, operate with escalated privileges, or mislead users. These vulnerabilities may also affect SeaMonkey and Thunderbird.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review the security advisories for their version of Firefox and upgrade to Firefox 3.5.6 or Firefox 3.0.16 to help mitigate the risks.

Adobe Reader and Acrobat Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Adobe has released a security advisory to address a vulnerability in Adobe Reader and Acrobat. By convincing a user to open a specially crafted PDF file, an attacker may be able to execute arbitrary code. Public reports currently indicate active exploitation of this vulnerability.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to do the following to help mitigate the risks until the vendor is able to provide an update:

• Review Adobe security advisory APSA09-07 and apply any necessary solutions listed in the document.
• Use caution when opening PDF files from untrusted sources.
• Disable JavaScript in Adobe Acrobat and Reader. To do this, click "Edit," then "Preferences" and then "JavaScript," and uncheck "Enable Acrobat JavaScript."

FBI Releases Warning about Scareware

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released a warning to alert users about an ongoing threat involving pop-up security messages that appear on the Internet. These pop-up messages may contain seemingly legitimate antivirus software. Users who click on these pop-up messages to purchase and install the bogus software may become infected with malicious code or to become victims of a phishing attack.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to do the following to help mitigate the risks:

• Review the FBI Press Release titled Pop-Up Security Warnings Pose Threats.
• Install antivirus software, and keep the signature files up to date.
• Use caution when entering personal and financial information online.
• Install software applications from only trusted sources.

Microsoft Releases Security Advisory 954157

Microsoft has released security advisory 954157 to notify users of an update that increases the security of the Indeo codec on Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003. The advisory states that the Indeo codec running on these systems may allow remote code execution when opening specially crafted media content. Microsoft indicates that this update blocks the Indeo codec from being launched in Internet Explorer or Windows Media player, which removes a potential attack vector.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review Microsoft security advisory 954157 and apply any necessary updates or workarounds to help mitigate the risks.

HP Releases Update to Address OpenView Network Node Manager Vulnerabilities

HP has released a security bulletin to address multiple vulnerabilities in OpenView Network Node Manager. Exploitation of these vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review HP security bulletin c01950877 and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risks.