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HistoryJul 17, 2003 - 12:00 a.m.

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS03-027: Unchecked Buffer in Windows Shell Could Enable System Compromise (Q821557)

2003-07-1700:00:00
vulners.com
16

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Title: Unchecked Buffer in Windows Shell Could Enable System
Compromise (821557)
Date: 16 July 2003
Software: Microsoft(r) Windows (r) XP
Impact: Run code of attacker's choice
Max Risk: Important
Bulletin: MS03-027

Microsoft encourages customers to review the Security Bulletins
at:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS03-027.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/security/security_bulletins/MS03-027.asp


Issue:

The Windows shell is responsible for providing the basic
framework of the Windows user interface experience. It is most
familiar to users as the Windows desktop. It also provides a
variety of other functions to help define the user's computing
session, including organizing files and folders, and providing
the means to start programs.

An unchecked buffer exists in one of the functions used by the
Windows shell to extract custom attribute information from
certain folders. A security vulnerability results because it is
possible for a malicious user to construct an attack that could
exploit this flaw and execute code on the user's system.

An attacker could seek to exploit this vulnerability by creating
a Desktop.ini file that contains a corrupt custom attribute, and
then host it on a network share. If a user were to browse the
shared folder where the file was stored, the vulnerability could
then be exploited. A successful attack could have the effect of
either causing the Windows shell to fail, or causing an
attacker's code to run on the user's computer in the security
context of the user.

Mitigating factors:

  • In the case where an attacker's code was executed, the code
    would run in the security context of the user. As a result, any
    limitations on the user's ability would also restrict the actions
    that an attacker's code could take.

  • An attacker could only seek to exploit this vulnerability by
    hosting a malicious file on a share.

  • This vulnerability only affects Windows XP Service Pack 1.
    Users running Windows XP Gold are not affected.

Risk Rating:

Important

Patch Availability:

  • A patch is available to fix this vulnerability. Please read
    the Security Bulletins at

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms03-027.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/security/security_bulletins/ms03-027.asp

for information on obtaining this patch.


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.

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