08.02.2010 - Current Activity
This is an archived copy of current activity, if you would like to see the most recent version, please click here.
Microsoft Releases Out-of-Band Security Bulletin to Address Shortcut Vulnerability
added August 2, 2010 at 01:55 pm
Microsoft has released security bulletin MS10-046 to address a critical vulnerability affecting Microsoft Windows. This vulnerability is due to the failure of Microsoft Windows to properly obtain icons for shortcut files. By convincing a user to display a specially crafted shortcut file, a remote attacker may be able to execute arbitrary code.
US-CERT strongly encourages users and administrators to review Microsoft security bulletin MS10-046 and apply any necessary updates to mitigate the risks.
Additional information regarding this vulnerability can be found in the following:
- Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-046
- Microsoft Security Advisory 2286198
- US-CERT Current Activity Entry "Microsoft Windows .LNK Vulnerability"
- US-CERT Vulnerability Note VU#940193
Microsoft Windows .LNK Vulnerability
added July 16, 2010 at 10:08 am | updated July 30, 2010 at 02:03 pm
US-CERT is aware of a vulnerability affecting Microsoft Windows. This vulnerability is due to the failure of Microsoft Windows to properly obtain icons for .LNK files. Microsoft uses .LNK files, commonly referred to as "shortcuts," as references to files or applications.
By convincing a user to display a specially crafted .LNK file, an attacker may be able to execute arbitrary code that would give the attacker the privileges of the user. Viewing the location of an .LNK file with Windows Explorer is sufficient to trigger the vulnerability. By default, Microsoft Windows has AutoRun/AutoPlay features enabled. These features can cause Windows to automatically open Windows Explorer when a removable drive is connected, thus opening the location of the .LNK and triggering the vulnerability. Other applications that display file icons can be used as an attack vector for this vulnerability as well. Depending on the operating system and AutoRun/AutoPlay configuration, exploitation can occur without any interaction from the user. This vulnerability can also be exploited remotely through a malicious website, or through a malicious file or WebDAV share.
Microsoft has released Microsoft Security Advisory 2286198 in response to this issue. Users are
encouraged to review the advisory and consider implementing the workarounds
listed to reduce the threat of known attack vectors. Please note that
implementing these workarounds may affect functionality. The workarounds include
- disabling the display of icons for shortcuts
- disabling the WebClient service
- blocking the download of .LNK and .PIF files from the internet
Update: Microsoft has issued a Security Bulletin Advance Notification indicating that it will be releasing an out-of-band security bulletin to address this vulnerability. Release of the security bulletin is scheduled for August 2, 2010.
In addition to implementing the workarounds listed in Microsoft Security Advisory 2286198, US-CERT encourages users and administrators to consider implementing the following best practice security measures to help further reduce the risks of this and other vulnerabilities:
- Disable AutoRun as described in Microsoft Support article 967715.
- Implement the principle of least privilege as defined in the Microsoft TechNet Library.
- Maintain up-to-date antivirus software.
US-CERT will provide additional information as it becomes available.
Apple Releases Safari 5.0.1 and Safari 4.1.1
added July 28, 2010 at 01:35 pm
Apple has released Safari 5.0.1 and Safari 4.1.1 for Windows and Mac OS X to address multiple vulnerabilities in Safari and WebKit. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, cause a denial-of-service condition, or obtain sensitive information.
US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review Apple article HT4276 and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risks.
Google Releases Chrome 5.0.375.125
added July 27, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Google has released Chrome 5.0.375.125 for Linux, Mac, and Windows to address multiple vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or obtain sensitive information.
US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review the Google Chrome Releases blog entry and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risks.
Firefox Releases Firefox 3.6.8
added July 26, 2010 at 08:40 am
The Mozilla Foundation has released Firefox 3.6.8 to address a critical vulnerability. This vulnerability may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.
US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review the Mozilla Foundation security advisory MFSA 2010-48 and update to Firefox 3.6.8 to help mitigate the risks.
Cisco Releases Security Advisory for CDS Internet Streamer
added July 22, 2010 at 08:30 am
Cisco has released a security advisory to address a vulnerability in the Cisco Internet Streamer application that is part of the Cisco Content Delivery System. Exploitation of this vulnerability may allow a remote, unauthenticated attacker to obtain sensitive information, including password files and system logs. This information could be used to leverage subsequent attacks.
US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review Cisco security advisory cisco-sa-20100721 and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risks.
Mozilla Releases Firefox 3.6.7
added July 21, 2010 at 08:44 am
The Mozilla Foundation has released Firefox 3.6.7 and Firefox 3.5.11 to address multiple vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, obtain sensitive information, bypass security restrictions, or conduct cross-site scripting attacks. Some of these vulnerabilities also affect Thunderbird and SeaMonkey.
US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review the Mozilla Foundation security advisories released on July 20, 2010, and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risks.
Apple Releases iTunes 9.2.1
added July 20, 2010 at 07:54 am
Apple has released iTunes 9.2.1 to address a vulnerability. This vulnerability is due to improper handling of itpc URLs. itpc is the protocol used by Apple iTunes for handling podcasts. By convincing a user to access a specially crafted itpc URL, an attacker may be able to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service condition.
US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review Apple article HT4263 and update to iTunes 9.2.1 to help mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Oracle Releases Critical Patch Update for July 2010
added July 13, 2010 at 04:03 pm
Oracle has released its Critical Patch Update for July 2010 to address 59 vulnerabilities across multiple products. This update contains the following security fixes:
- 6 for Oracle Database Server
- 2 for TimesTen In-Memory Database
- 5 for Oracle Secure Backup
- 7 for Oracle Fusion Middleware
- 1 for Oracle Enterprise Manager
- 7 for Oracle E-Business Suite
- 2 for Oracle Supply Chain Products Suite
- 8 for Oracle PeopleSoft and JDEdwards Suite
- 21 for Oracle Sun Products Suite
Microsoft Releases July Security Bulletin
added July 13, 2010 at 01:25 pm
Microsoft has released updates to address vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows and Office as part of the Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for July 2010. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.
US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review the bulletins and follow best-practice security policies to determine which updates should be applied.