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

                       AL-2007.0014 -- AUSCERT ALERT
                                   [Win]
         New unpatched Microsoft Word vulnerability being actively
                    exploited to execute arbitrary code
                              29 January 2007

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

Product:              Microsoft Word 2003
                      Microsoft Word XP
                      Microsoft Word 2000
Operating System:     Windows
Impact:               Execute Arbitrary Code/Commands
Access:               Remote/Unauthenticated
CVE Names:            CVE-2007-0515

OVERVIEW

        A new unpatched vulnerability [1] in Microsoft Word 2000, XP, and
        2003 that allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code is
        being actively exploited by a new trojan horse, Mdropper.W [2].


IMPACT

        If a user of Microsoft Word opens a malicious word document an
        attacker may be able to cause the execution of arbitrary code. If
        the user is logged in as Administrator this would allow them to
        take complete control of the system.

        A new trojan is currently using this vulnerability to infect
        computers and open a back-door, which could allow an affected
        computer to be used in a botnet.
        
        Note that at the time of writing Microsoft have stated that only
        Word 2000 is affected by this new vulnerability, [3] however other
        sources have quoted Word XP and Word 2003 as also being vulnerable.
        Taking care with the handling of Word document files no matter what
        the version of Word being used is still highly recommended.


MITIGATION

        Currently the only known protection for this vulnerability is to not
        open untrusted or unexpected Word documents, either on the internet
        or through email. Unexpected Word (.doc) atachments to emails should
        always be treated with suspicion.

        It is recommended that automatic handling of .doc files should be
        disabled within internet browsers.


REFERENCES

        [1] US-CERT Current Activity
            http://www.us-cert.gov/current/current_activity.html#mswddrpr0d

        [2] Symantec - Trojan.Mdropper.W
            http://www.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2007-011813-0435-99&tabid=1

        [3] Microsoft Security Advisory 932114
            http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/932114.mspx

AusCERT has made every effort to ensure that the information contained
in this document is accurate.  However, the decision to use the information
described is the responsibility of each user or organisation. 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.

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

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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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