AusCERT - AL-2008.0131 -- [Win] -- Security Update for Internet Explorer - MS08-078

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AL-2008.0131 -- [Win] -- Security Update for Internet Explorer - MS08-078 - Critical
Date: 18 December 2008
References: AL-2008.0126 AL-2008.0130 ESB-2008.1158

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A  U  S  C  E  R  T                                           A  L  E  R  T

                       AL-2008.0131 -- AUSCERT ALERT
                                   [Win]
        Security Update for Internet Explorer - MS08-078 - Critical
                             18 December 2008

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        AusCERT Alert Summary
        ---------------------

Product:              Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 Service Pack 4
                      Microsoft Internet Explorer 6
                      Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1
                      Windows Internet Explorer 7
                      Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2
Publisher:            Microsoft
Operating System:     Windows
Impact:               Execute Arbitrary Code/Commands
Access:               Remote/Unauthenticated
CVE Names:            CVE-2008-4844

Ref:                  AL-2008.0130
                      AL-2008.0126

Original Bulletin:  
  http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-078.mspx

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Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-078 - Critical

Security Update for Internet Explorer (960714)

   Published: December 17, 2008

   Version: 1.0

General Information

Executive Summary

   This security update resolves a publicly disclosed vulnerability. The
   vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user views a
   specially crafted Web page using Internet Explorer. Users whose
   accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could
   be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user
   rights.

   This security update is rated Critical for Internet Explorer 5.01,
   Internet Explorer 6, Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1, and Internet
   Explorer 7. For information about Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2, please
   see the section, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This
   Security Update. For more information, see the subsection, Affected
   and Non-Affected Software, in this section.

   The security update addresses the vulnerability by modifying the way
   Internet Explorer validates data binding parameters and handles the
   error resulting in the exploitable condition. For more information
   about the vulnerability, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
   subsection under the next section, Vulnerability Information.

   This security update also addresses the vulnerability first described
   in Microsoft Security Advisory 961051.

   Recommendation. Microsoft recommends that customers apply the update
   immediately.

   Known Issues: None.

Affected Software

   Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 Service Pack 4

   Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1

   Microsoft Internet Explorer 6

   Windows Internet Explorer 7

   Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2

Vulnerability Information

Pointer Reference Memory Corruption Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4844

   A remote code execution vulnerability exists as an invalid pointer
   reference in the data binding function of Internet Explorer. When data
   binding is enabled (which is the default state), it is possible under
   certain conditions for an object to be released without updating the
   array length, leaving the potential to access the deleted object's
   memory space. This can cause Internet Explorer to exit unexpectedly,
   in a state that is exploitable.

   An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by constructing a
   specially crafted Web page. When a user views the Web page, the
   vulnerability could allow remote code execution. An attacker who
   successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user
   rights as the logged-on user.

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NOTE: Third Party Rights
This security bulletin is provided as a service to AusCERT's members.  As
AusCERT did not write the document quoted above, AusCERT has had no control
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which may arise from following or acting on information or advice contained in
this security bulletin.

NOTE: This is only the original release of the security bulletin.  It may
not be updated when updates to the original are made.  If downloading at
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from the author's website to ensure that the information is still current.

Contact information for the authors of the original document is included
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Previous advisories and external security bulletins can be retrieved from:

        http://www.auscert.org.au/render.html?cid=1980

If you believe that your computer system has been compromised or attacked in 
any way, we encourage you to let us know by completing the secure National IT 
Incident Reporting Form at:

        http://www.auscert.org.au/render.html?it=3192

===========================================================================
Australian Computer Emergency Response Team
The University of Queensland
Brisbane
Qld 4072

Internet Email: auscert@auscert.org.au
Facsimile:      (07) 3365 7031
Telephone:      (07) 3365 4417 (International: +61 7 3365 4417)
                AusCERT personnel answer during Queensland business hours
                which are GMT+10:00 (AEST).
                On call after hours for member emergencies only.
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