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HistoryDec 10, 2008 - 12:00 a.m.

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-075 – Critical Vulnerabilities in Windows Search Could Allow Remote Code Execution (959349)

2008-12-1000:00:00
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Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-075 – Critical
Vulnerabilities in Windows Search Could Allow Remote Code Execution (959349)
Published: December 9, 2008

Version: 1.0
General Information
Executive Summary

This security update resolves two privately reported vulnerabilities in Windows Search. These vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution if a user opens and saves a specially crafted saved-search file within Windows Explorer or if a user clicks a specially crafted search URL. An attacker who successfully exploited these vulnerabilities could take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.

The most severe vulnerability is rated Critical for all supported editions of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.

The security update addresses the vulnerabilities by modifying the way that Windows Explorer frees memory when saving Windows Search files and by modifying the way that Windows Explorer interprets parameters when parsing the search-ms protocol. For more information about the vulnerabilities, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) subsection for the specific vulnerability entry under the next section, Vulnerability Information.

Recommendation. Microsoft recommends that customers apply the update immediately.

Known Issues. None
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Affected and Non-Affected Software

The following software have been tested to determine which versions or editions are affected. Other versions or editions are either past their support life cycle or are not affected. To determine the support life cycle for your software version or edition, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle.

Affected Software
Operating System Maximum Security Impact Aggregate Severity Rating Bulletins Replaced by this Update

Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 1
(KB958623)

Remote Code Execution

Important

MS08-038

Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 1
(KB958624)

Remote Code Execution

Critical

None

Windows Vista x64 Edition and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1
(KB958623)

Remote Code Execution

Important

MS08-038

Windows Vista x64 Edition and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1
(KB958624)

Remote Code Execution

Critical

None

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems*
(KB958623)

Remote Code Execution

Important

MS08-038

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems*
(KB958624)

Remote Code Execution

Critical

None

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems*
(KB958623)

Remote Code Execution

Important

MS08-038

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems*
(KB958624)

Remote Code Execution

Critical

None

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems
(KB958623)

Remote Code Execution

Important

MS08-038

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems
(KB958624)

Remote Code Execution

Critical

None

*Windows Server 2008 server core installation not affected. The vulnerabilities addressed by these updates do not affect supported editions of Windows Server 2008 if Windows Server 2008 was installed using the Server Core installation option, even though the files affected by these vulnerabilities may be present on the system. However, users with the affected files will still be offered this update because the update files are newer (with higher version numbers) than the files that are currently on your system. For more information on this installation option, see Server Core. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.

Non-Affected Software
Operating System

Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4

Windows XP Service Pack 2

Windows XP Service Pack 3

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition and Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Windows Server 2003 with SP1 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update

Where are the file information details?
The file information details can be found in Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 959349.

Why does this bulletin contain two updates for each affected operating system?
This bulletin contains two updates, identified by KB number, for each affected operating system because the modifications that are required to address the vulnerabilities are located in separate components. Customers need to install both updates for each operating system that is applicable to their environment.

I am using an older release of the software discussed in this security bulletin. What should I do?
The affected software listed in this bulletin have been tested to determine which releases are affected. Other releases are past their support life cycle. To determine the support life cycle for your software release, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle.

It should be a priority for customers who have older releases of the software to migrate to supported releases to prevent potential exposure to vulnerabilities. For more information about the Windows Product Lifecycle, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle. For more information about the extended security update support period for these software versions or editions, visit Microsoft Product Support Services.

Customers who require custom support for older releases must contact their Microsoft account team representative, their Technical Account Manager, or the appropriate Microsoft partner representative for custom support options. Customers without an Alliance, Premier, or Authorized Contract can contact their local Microsoft sales office. For contact information, visit Microsoft Worldwide Information, select the country, and then click Go to see a list of telephone numbers. When you call, ask to speak with the local Premier Support sales manager. For more information, see the Windows Operating System Product Support Lifecycle FAQ.
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Vulnerability Information

Severity Ratings and Vulnerability Identifiers
Vulnerability Severity Rating and Maximum Security Impact by Affected Software
Affected Software Windows Saved Search Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4268 Windows Search Parsing Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4269 Aggregate Severity Rating

Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 1

Important
Remote Code Execution

Critical
Remote Code Execution

Critical

Windows Vista x64 Edition and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1

Important
Remote Code Execution

Critical
Remote Code Execution

Critical

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems*

Important
Remote Code Execution

Critical
Remote Code Execution

Critical

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems*

Important
Remote Code Execution

Critical
Remote Code Execution

Critical

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems

Important
Remote Code Execution

Critical
Remote Code Execution

Critical

*Windows Server 2008 server core installation not affected. The vulnerabilities addressed by these updates do not affect supported editions of Windows Server 2008 if Windows Server 2008 was installed using the Server Core installation option, even though the files affected by these vulnerabilities may be present on the system. However, users with the affected files will still be offered this update because the update files are newer (with higher version numbers) than the files that are currently on your system. For more information on this installation option, see Server Core. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.
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Windows Saved Search Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4268

A remote code execution vulnerability exists when saving a specially crafted search file within Windows Explorer. This operation causes Windows Explorer to exit and restart in an exploitable manner.

To view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2008-4268.

Mitigating Factors for Windows Saved Search Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4268

Mitigation refers to a setting, common configuration, or general best-practice, existing in a default state, that could reduce the severity of exploitation of a vulnerability. The following mitigating factors may be helpful in your situation:

The vulnerability cannot be exploited automatically through e-mail. For an attack to be successful, a user must open and save an attachment that is sent in an e-mail message.

In a Web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a Web site that contains a specially crafted saved-search (.search-ms) file. In addition, compromised Web sites and Web sites that accept or host user-provided content or advertisements could contain specially crafted content that could exploit this vulnerability. In all cases, however, an attacker would have no way to force users to visit these Web sites. Attempts to exploit this vulnerability require user interaction.

An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the local user. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.

Users running Internet Explorer 7 will be prompted by a dialog box indicating a web page is attempting to open content in Windows Explorer. This dialog box prompts the user to "Allow" or "Don't Allow" the content, but also allows users to not display messages of this type again. Users who have previously selected "Do not show me the warning for this program again" for Windows Explorer will not receive this prompt.
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Workarounds for Windows Saved Search Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4268

Workaround refers to a setting or configuration change that does not correct the underlying vulnerability but would help block known attack vectors before you apply the update. Microsoft has tested the following workarounds and states in the discussion whether a workaround reduces functionality:

Temporarily change the file type associated with the “.search-ms” file extension. Enter the following command at an elevated command prompt:

assoc .search-ms=xmlfile

Impact of workaround. Saved-search files will open as XML files in Internet Explorer.

How to undo the workaround. Enter the following command at an elevated command prompt:

assoc .search-ms=SearchFolder

Modify the registry to deny users the ability to open saved-search files or to access the saved search folder.

To modify the registry key, follow these steps:

Note Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk. For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys And Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or view the "Add and Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics in Regedt32.exe.

Click Start, click Run, type Regedit in the Open box, and then click OK.

Locate and then expand the following registry subkey:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SearchFolder

Click Edit, and then click Permissions

Note Make a note of the permissions that are listed in this dialog box so that you can restore them to their original values at a later time.

Click Advanced.

Click to clear the Include inheritable permissions from this object's parent check box. You are prompted to click Copy, Remove, or Cancel. Click Remove, and then click OK.

You receive a message that states that no one will be able to access this registry key. Click Yes, and then click OK to close the Permissions for SearchFolder dialog box.

Impact of workaround. Users will be unable to open saved search files or access the saved search folder.

How to undo the workaround. Restore the previously configured permissions on the registry key by clicking to check Include inheritable permissions from this object's parent and then clicking OK two times.

Unregister the SearchFolder file type.

To modify the registry key, follow these steps:

Note Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk. For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys And Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or view the "Add and Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics in Regedt32.exe.

Using the Interactive Method

Click Start, click Run, type Regedit in the Open box, and then click OK.

Locate and then click the following registry subkey:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SearchFolder

Click the File menu and select Export.

In the Export Registry File dialog box, enter SearchFolder_file_association_registry_backup.reg and click Save.

Note This will create a backup of this registry key in the My Documentsfolder by default.

Press the Delete key on the keyboard to delete the registry key. When prompted to delete the registry key via the Confirm Key Delete dialog box, click Yes.

Using a Managed Deployment Script

Create a backup copy of the registry keys by using a managed deployment script that contains the following commands:

Regedit.exe /e SearchFolder_registry_backup.reg
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SearchFolder

Next, save the following to a file with a .REG extension, such as Delete_SearchFolder_file_association.reg:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SearchFolder]

Run the above registry script on the target machine with the following command from an elevated command prompt:

Regedit.exe /s Delete_SearchFolder_file_association.reg

Impact of workaround. Double-clicking on a saved search folder will no longer open a window displaying the search results.

How to undo the workaround:

Using the Interactive Method

Click Start, click Run, type Regedit in the Open box, and then click OK.

Click the File menu and select Import.

In the Import Registry File dialog box, select SearchFolder_file_association_registry_backup.reg and click Open.

Using a Managed Deployment Script

Restore the original state by running the following command:

Regedit.exe /s SearchFolder_registry_backup.reg
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FAQ for Windows Saved Search Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4268

What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is a remote code execution vulnerability. If a user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.

What causes the vulnerability?
The Windows Explorer does not correctly free memory when saving Windows Search files.

What is Windows Search?
Windows Search is a standard component of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 that is enabled by default. Windows Search allows instant search capabilities for most common file and data types such as e-mail, contacts, calendar appointments, documents, photos, multimedia, and other formats extended by third parties. These capabilities enable consumers and information workers to more efficiently find, manage, and organize the increasing amount of data common in home and enterprise environments. For more information, see the Windows Search home page.

Is the Windows Search component available for Windows XP affected by this issue?
No. Although Windows Search is as optional add-in for Windows XP, it is not affected by this issue.

What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code on a user’s system. If a user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.

How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
This vulnerability requires that a user open and save a specially crafted saved-search file with an affected version of Windows Explorer.

In an e-mail attack scenario, an attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending a specially crafted saved-search file to the user and by convincing the user to open the file. After opening the file, the user would have to save the saved-search file in order for exploit to occur. The exploit occurs regardless of where the search is saved.

In a Web-based attack scenario, an attacker would have to host a Web site that contains a saved-search file that is used to attempt to exploit this vulnerability. In addition, compromised Web sites and Web sites that accept or host user-provided content could contain specially crafted content that could exploit this vulnerability. The attacker would then have to convince the user to open and save a specially crafted search files. An attacker would have no way to force users to visit a specially crafted Web site. Instead, an attacker would have to convince them to visit the Web site, typically by getting them to click a link in an e-mail message or Instant Messenger message that takes them to the attacker's site.

What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
Workstations and terminal servers are primarily at risk. Servers could be at more risk if administrators allow users to log on to servers and to run programs. However, best practices strongly discourage allowing this.

What does the update do?
The update addresses the vulnerability by modifying the way that Windows Explorer frees memory when saving Windows Search files.

When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
No. Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through responsible disclosure. Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly disclosed when this security bulletin was originally issued. This security bulletin addresses the privately disclosed vulnerability as well as additional issues discovered through internal investigations.

When this security bulletin was issued, had Microsoft received any reports that this vulnerability was being exploited?
No. Microsoft had not received information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers and had not seen any examples of proof of concept code published when this security bulletin was originally issued.
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Windows Search Parsing Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4269

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Windows Explorer that allows an attacker to construct a malicious web page that includes a call to the search-ms protocol handler. The protocol handler in turn passes untrusted data to Windows Explorer.

To view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2008-4269.

Mitigating Factors for Windows Search Parsing Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4269

Mitigation refers to a setting, common configuration, or general best-practice, existing in a default state, that could reduce the severity of exploitation of a vulnerability. The following mitigating factors may be helpful in your situation:

In a Web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a Web site that contains a specially crafted Windows Search (search-ms://) URL. In addition, compromised Web sites and Web sites that accept or host user-provided content or advertisements could contain specially crafted content that could exploit this vulnerability. In all cases, however, an attacker would have no way to force users to visit these Web sites. Attempts to exploit this vulnerability require user interaction.

An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the local user. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.

Customers who are running Internet Explorer 7 with default settings will receive a pop-up warning asking users if they want to allow the web page to communicate with Windows Explorer. The default setting is to not allow the communication.

Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 systems will display a warning dialog before executing a program from outside of the intranet. This warning will not be displayed if the attacker tries to reference and executable within the intranet or on the target’s machine.
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Workarounds for Windows Search Parsing Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4269

Workaround refers to a setting or configuration change that does not correct the underlying vulnerability but would help block known attack vectors before you apply the update. Microsoft has tested the following workarounds and states in the discussion whether a workaround reduces functionality:

Disable search-ms protocol handler within Windows Explorer

Note Repairing Office or installing an Office security update may undo this workaround.

Warning If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use the Registry Editor at your own risk. For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys And Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or view the "Add and Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics in Regedt32.exe.

Note We recommend backing up the registry before you edit it.

To modify the registry key, follow these steps:

Using the Interactive Method

Click Start, click Run, type "regedit" (without the quotation marks) in the Open box, and then click OK.

Locate and then expand the following registry subkey:

\search-ms\shell\open.

Click on Command.

Click the File menu and select Export.

.In the Export Registry File dialog box, enter "Search-ms_pluggable_protocol_registry_backup.reg" and click Save.

Edit the (Default) registry value by double-clicking it. Clear all data from the Value data: field.

.Click OK.

Using a Managed Deployment Script

Create a backup copy of the registry keys by using a managed deployment script that contains the following command:

regedit /e Search-ms_pluggable_protocol_registry_backup.reg HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\search-ms\shell\open\command.

Next, save the following to a file with a .REG extension, such as
"Disable_search-ms_pluggable_protocol.reg":

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\search-ms\shell\open\command]
@=""

Run the above registry script on the target machine with the following command from an elevated command prompt:

Regedit.exe /s Disable_ search-ms_pluggable_protocol.reg

Impact of workaround.

Web pages will not be able to launch Windows searches.

How to undo the workaround.

Using the Interactive Method

Click Start, click Run, type Regedit in the Open box, and then click OK.

Click the File menu and select Import.

In the Import Registry File dialog box, select "Search-ms_pluggable_protocol_registry_backup.reg" and click Open.

Using a Managed Deployment Script

Restore the original state by running the following command:

Regedit.exe /s Search-ms_pluggable_protocol_registry_backup.reg
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FAQ for Windows Search Parsing Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4269

What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is a remote code execution vulnerability. If a user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.

What causes the vulnerability?
Windows Explorer does not correctly interpret parameters when parsing the search-ms protocol.

What is the search-ms Protocol?
The search-ms application protocol is a convention for querying the Windows Search index. The protocol enables applications, like Microsoft Windows Explorer, to query the index with parameter-value arguments, including property arguments, previously saved searches, Advanced Query Syntax, Natural Query Syntax, and language code identifiers (LCIDs) for both the Indexer and the query itself. For more information, see the following MSDN article.

Is the Windows Search component available for Windows XP affected by this issue?
No. Although Windows Search is as optional add-in for Windows XP, it is not affected by this issue.

What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code on a user’s system. If a user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.

How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
An attacker could host a specially crafted Web site that is designed to exploit the vulnerability and then convince a user to visit the Web site. The attacker could also take advantage of compromised Web sites and Web sites that accept or host user-provided content or advertisements. These Web sites could contain specially crafted content that could exploit this vulnerability. In all cases, however, an attacker would have no way to force users to visit these Web sites. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to visit the Web site, typically by getting them to click a link in an e-mail message or in an Instant Messenger message that takes users to the attacker's Web site.

What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
Workstations and terminal servers are primarily at risk. Servers could be at more risk if administrators allow users to log on to servers and to run programs. However, best practices strongly discourage allowing this.

What does the update do?
The security update addresses the vulnerability by modifying the way that Windows Explorer interprets parameters when parsing the search-ms protocol.

When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
No. Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through responsible disclosure. Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly disclosed when this security bulletin was originally issued. This security bulletin addresses the privately disclosed vulnerability as well as additional issues discovered through internal investigations.

When this security bulletin was issued, had Microsoft received any reports that this vulnerability was being exploited?
No. Microsoft had not received information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers and had not seen any examples of proof of concept code published when this security bulletin was originally issued.

Other Information
Acknowledgments

Microsoft thanks the following for working with us to help protect customers:

Andre Protas of eEye Digital Security for reporting the Windows Saved Search Vulnerability (CVE-2008-4268)

Nate McFeters for reporting the Windows Search Parsing Vulnerability (CVE-2008-4269)
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Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP)

To improve security protections for customers, Microsoft provides vulnerability information to major security software providers in advance of each monthly security update release. Security software providers can then use this vulnerability information to provide updated protections to customers via their security software or devices, such as antivirus, network-based intrusion detection systems, or host-based intrusion prevention systems. To determine whether active protections are available from security software providers, please visit the active protections Web sites provided by program partners, listed in Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) Partners.

Support

Customers in the U.S. and Canada can receive technical support from Microsoft Product Support Services at 1-866-PCSAFETY. There is no charge for support calls that are associated with security updates.

International customers can receive support from their local Microsoft subsidiaries. There is no charge for support that is associated with security updates. For more information about how to contact Microsoft for support issues, visit the International Support Web site.

Disclaimer

The information provided in the Microsoft Knowledge Base is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Microsoft disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, loss of business profits or special damages, even if Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages so the foregoing limitation may not apply.

Revisions

V1.0 (December 9, 2008): Bulletin published.

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