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

                       AL-2007.0025 -- AUSCERT ALERT
                                   [Win]
                New unpatched Microsoft Word vulnerability
                             16 February 2007

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

Product:              Microsoft Word XP
                      Microsoft Word 2000
Operating System:     Windows
Impact:               Execute Arbitrary Code/Commands
Access:               Remote/Unauthenticated
Member content until: Friday, March 16 2007

Ref:                  CVE-2007-0870

Original Bulletin:    
  http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/933052.mspx

OVERVIEW

        A new unpatched vulnerability [1] has been reported in Microsoft 
        Word 2000 and XP that may allow a remote attacker to execute 
        arbitrary code. Microsoft is currently investigating this 
        vulnerability [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.


MITIGATION

        According to [2] Microsoft has added detection to the Windows Live 
        OneCare safety scanner to detection and removal of code attempting 
        to exploit this vulnerability.

        No other protection or mitigation strategies for this vulnerability 
        have been reported beyond not opening untrusted or unexpected Word 
        documents, either on the internet or through email. Unexpected Word 
        (.doc) attachments to emails should always be treated with suspicion.

        It is recommended that automatic handling of .doc files should be
        disabled within internet browsers and administrators consider 
        quarantining Microsoft Office files and other executables at the mail 
        gateways. 


REFERENCES

        [1] US-CERT Current Activity
            http://www.us-cert.gov/current/current_activity.html#dosword2

        [2] Microsoft Security Advisory 933052
            http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/933052.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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