OCS ADVISORY NUMBER:
2011-006 Updated

DATE(S) ISSUED:
2/8/2011
4/12/2011 - UPDATED

SUBJECT:
Vulnerability in Microsoft PowerPoint Could Allow Remote Code Execution

ORIGINAL OVERVIEW:

A vulnerability has been discovered in Microsoft PowerPoint, a program used for creating presentations. This vulnerability can be exploited by opening a specially crafted PowerPoint file. The file may be received as an e-mail attachment, or downloaded via the web. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to gain the same privileges as the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.

Please note that there is currently no patch available for this vulnerability.

UPDATED OVERVIEW:
Microsoft has released a patch (MS11-022) that addresses this vulnerability.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

• Microsoft PowerPoint 2007

RISK:
Government:

• Large and medium government entities: High
• Small government entities: High

Businesses:

• Large and medium business entities: High
• Small business entities: High

Home users: High

ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION:
A vulnerability has been discovered in Microsoft PowerPoint which could allow an attacker to take complete control of an affected system. The vulnerability occurs when the application parses external objects in an 'Office Art' container. Successful exploitation of the vulnerability could result in an attacker gaining the same privileges as the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.

Please note that there is currently no patch available for this vulnerability.

April 12 - UPDATED DESCRIPTION:
Microsoft has released a patch (MS11-022) that addresses this vulnerability.

ORIGINAL RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend the following actions be taken:

• Apply appropriate patches provided by Microsoft to vulnerable systems as soon as they become available.
• Run all software as a non-privileged user (one without administrative privileges) to diminish the effects of a successful attack.
• Remind users not to visit un-trusted websites or follow links provided by unknown or un-trusted sources.
• Remind users not to open e-mail attachments from unknown or un-trusted sources.

April 12 - UPDATED RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend the following actions be taken:

• Apply appropriate patch provided by Microsoft immediately after appropriate testing.

ORIGINAL REFERENCES:
Security Focus:
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/46228/

Zero Day Initiative:
http://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-11-044/

April 12 - UPDATED REFERENCES:
Microsoft:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS11-022.mspx