Microsoft Exchange Server TNEF Remote Code Execution

Notification Type: IBM Internet Security Systems Protection Alert
Notification Date: February 10, 2009
Notification Version: 1.0
   
Name: Microsoft Exchange Server TNEF Remote Code Execution
Public disclosure/
In the wild date:
February 10, 2009 (vuln disclosure)
Aliases: MS09-003
CVE: CVE-2009-0098
Description:

Microsoft Exchange Server could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system.

 

ISS Coverage

Product Content Version
Proventia Network IDS
Proventia Network IPS
Proventia Network MFS
Proventia Server (Linux)
RealSecure Network
RealSecure Server Sensor
29.020
Proventia Desktop
Proventia Server IPS (Windows)
2360
Propagation Techniques ISS Protection Available

remote exploit

 

Content_TNEF_Exchange_Code_Execution

Feb 10, 2009

Detailed Description

Business Impact: Out of the two vulnerabilities released in MS09-003, this issue is the more serious vulnerability of the two and is caused by invalid decoding of Transport Neutral Encapsulation (TNEF) messages. TNEF is a format used by the Microsoft Exchange Server when sending messages as Rich Text Format (RTF). Successful exploitation could result in remote code execution on the Exchange Server when the message is viewed by a user. IBM X-Force considers this to be the most serious bulletin in this month’s patch release.
CVSS Base Score: 10
  Access Vector: Network
Access Complexity: Low
Authentication: None
Confidentiality Impact: Complete
Integrity Impact: Complete
Availability Impact: Complete
Adjusted Temporal Score: 7.4
  Exploitability: Unproven
Remediation Level: Official-Fix
Report Confidence: Confirmed
Affected Products: For a full list of affected versions, see references below.
Technical Description: Microsoft Exchange Server could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system, caused by improper decoding of Transport Neutral Encapsulation Format (TNEF) message data. By sending a specially-crafted TNEF message to a vulnerable Exchange Server, a remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to corrupt memory and execute arbitrary code on the system, once the Exchange Server Information Store processes the message or a victim opens the message.
Remediation:

Patches are available.  See references for details.

References

X-Force: http://xforce.iss.net/xforce/xfdb/47670
Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms09-003.mspx

Revision History

1.0 Initial publication.

* According to the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST), the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) is an "industry open standard designed to convey vulnerability severity and help to determine urgency and priority of response." IBM PROVIDES THE CVSS SCORES "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CUSTOMERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF ANY ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL SECURITY VULNERABILITY.
The information within this database may change without notice. Use of this information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There are NO warranties, implied or otherwise, with regard to this information or its use. Any use of this information is at the user's risk. In no event shall IBM be held liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with the use or spread of this information.

About IBM Security Systems

IBM Security Systems include an extensive portfolio of hardware, software solutions, professional and managed services offerings covering the spectrum of IT and business security risks: people and identity, data and information, application and process, network, server and endpoint and physical infrastructure, empowering clients to innovate and operate their businesses on the most secure infrastructure platforms. Through world-class solutions that address risk across the enterprise, IBM helps organizations build a strong security posture that helps reduce costs, improve service, and manage risk. IBM X-Force(R) Research and Development is one of the most renowned commercial security research and development groups in the world. For more information on how to address today's biggest risks, please visit us at ibm.com/security.