Microsoft Windows Kernel GDI Validation Remote Code Execution

Notification Type: IBM Internet Security Systems Protection Alert
Notification Date: March 10, 2009
Notification Version: 1.0
   
Name: Microsoft Windows Kernel GDI Validation Remote Code Execution
Public disclosure/
In the wild date:
March 10, 2009
CVE:

CVE-2009-0081

Description:

Microsoft Windows kernel could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system by persuading a victim to view a malicious EMF or WMF image file.

 

ISS Coverage

Product Content Version
Network Sensor 7.0
Proventia A
Proventia IPS (G/GX)
Server Sensor 7.0
Proventia Multifunction Appliance
Proventia Server (Linux)
29.030
Proventia Server (Windows)
Proventia Desktop
2370
Propagation Techniques ISS Protection Available
remote exploit

Image_EMF_GDI_Kernel_Code_Execution

10 MAR 2009

Detailed Description

Business Impact: This vulnerability is related to a core component of Microsoft Windows operating systems.  Exploitation simply involves enticing a user to view an email or a URL that contains a specially-crafted image file.  This technique of infecting end-user systems has been employed for many years and continues to be a means of infection today.  Compromise means complete control of the end user's system.
CVSS: Base Score: 9.3
  Access Vector: Network
Access Complexity: Medium
Authentication: None
Confidentiality Impact: Complete
Integrity Impact: Complete
Availability Impact: Complete
Adjusted Temporal Score: 6.9
  Exploitability: Unproven
Remediation Level: Official-Fix
Report Confidence: Confirmed
Affected Products: For a full list of affected versions, see references below.
Technical Description:

Microsoft Windows kernel could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system, caused by improper validation of input passed from user mode through the kernel graphics device interface (GDI) component. By persuading a victim to view a malicious EMF or WMF image file, either by hosting the file on a Web site or sending it as an email attachment, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to corrupt memory and execute arbitrary code on the system.

Remediation:

Patches are available for this issue. See References for details.

References

XFDB:

http://xforce.iss.net/xforce/xfdb/48298
Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms09-006.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.