MS-ISAC ADVISORY NUMBER:
2011-006

DATE(S) ISSUED:
2/8/2011

SUBJECT:
Vulnerability in Microsoft PowerPoint Could Allow Remote Code Execution

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 received as an email attachment, or by visiting a web site that is hosting a specially crafted PowerPoint file. 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.

 

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

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.

 

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 email attachments from unknown or un-trusted sources.

REFERENCES:

Security Focus:

 

Zero Day Initiative: