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

                        AL-2003.22 -- AUSCERT ALERT
           Vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Messenger Service
                 Internet Security Systems Security Brief
                              16 October 2003
===========================================================================

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

Product:                Microsoft Windows Messenger Service
Publisher:              Internet Security Systems (ISS) X-Force
Operating System:       Windows NT Workstation 4.0, Service Pack 6a
                        Windows NT Server 4.0, Service Pack 6a
                        Windows NT Server 4.0, TSE, Service Pack 6
                        Windows 2000, Service Pack 2
                        Windows 2000, Service Pack 3, Service Pack 4
                        Windows XP Gold, Service Pack 1
                        Windows XP 64-bit Edition
                        Windows XP 64-bit Edition Version 2003
                        Windows Server 2003
                        Windows Server 2003 64-bit Edition
Impact:                 Administrator Compromise
Access Required:        Remote
CVE Names:              CAN-2003-0717

Due to the severity of this vulnerability, AusCERT is releasing this
information as an AusCERT Alert. AusCERT will continue to monitor this
vulnerability and any changes in exploit activity. AusCERT members will
be updated as information becomes available.

ISS has made available a free scanner for this vulnerability. The tool
only works on Windows 2000 and Windows XP and is available at:

http://www.iss.net/support/product_utilities/

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Internet Security Systems Security Brief
October 15, 2003

Vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Messenger Service

Synopsis:

Microsoft has released a security bulletin (MS03-043) describing a buffer
overflow flaw in the Windows "Messenger Service". The "Messenger Service"
is enabled by default on all Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Windows XP
desktops and servers. It is important to note that the Microsoft Messenger
Service is unrelated to Microsoft MSN Messenger.

Impact:

The vulnerability may allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on
vulnerable systems with administrator privileges. X-Force believes that
the vulnerability is extremely widespread in nature. Vulnerabilities of
this nature have led to Internet worms such as "MS Blast/Blaster",
"Nachi", and "SQL Slammer". History has shown that vulnerabilities of this
magnitude lead almost immediately to exploit tool development by the
underground community and extensive and widespread attacks. The
vulnerability can be triggered via UDP, leaving open the possibility of
extremely rapid worm propagation.

Affected Versions:

Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, Terminal Server Edition
Microsoft Windows 2000
Microsoft Windows XP 
Microsoft Windows 2003

For the complete ISS X-Force Security Alert, please visit:
http://xforce.iss.net/xforce/alerts/id/156

______ 

About Internet Security Systems (ISS) 
Founded in 1994, Internet Security Systems (ISS) (Nasdaq: ISSX) is a 
pioneer and world leader in software and services that protect critical 
online resources from an ever-changing spectrum of threats and misuse. 
Internet Security Systems is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with 
additional operations throughout the Americas, Asia, Australia, Europe 
and the Middle East. 

Copyright (c) 2003 Internet Security Systems, Inc. All rights reserved 
worldwide. 

Permission is hereby granted for the electronic redistribution of this 
document. It is not to be edited or altered in any way without the 
express written consent of the Internet Security Systems X-Force. If you 
wish to reprint the whole or any part of this document in any other 
medium excluding electronic media, please email xforce@iss.net for 
permission. 

Disclaimer: The information within this paper 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 the author/distributor (Internet Security 
Systems X-Force) be held liable for any damages whatsoever arising out 
of or in connection with the use or spread of this information. 
X-Force PGP Key available on MIT's PGP key server and PGP.com's key server, 
as well as at http://www.iss.net/security_center/sensitive.php 
Please send suggestions, updates, and comments to: X-Force 
xforce@iss.net of Internet Security Systems, Inc.

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This alert is provided as a service to AusCERT's members.  As AusCERT did
not write the document quoted above, AusCERT has had no control over its   
content. The decision to follow or act on information or advice contained in
this security bulletin is the responsibility of each user or organisation, and 
should be considered in accordance with your organisation's site policies and 
procedures. AusCERT takes no responsibility for consequences 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 alert.  It may not be
updated when updates to the original are made.  If downloading at a later
date, it is recommended that the alert is retrieved directly from the
author's website to ensure that the information is still current.

Contact information for the authors of the original document is included
in the alert above.  If you have any questions or need further information,
please contact them directly.

Previous advisories, alerts and external security bulletins can be 
retrieved from:

        http://www.auscert.org.au/render.html?cid=1977

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

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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