Microsoft Word Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Date Published : 10 October 2006

Date Last Revised : 10 October 2006

Overview : A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Word.

This vulnerability has been classified as "High Risk." Computer users should take appropriate action to patch vulnerable systems.

Description : The cause of the vulnerability is that when Microsoft Word opens a specially crafted Word file, it may corrupt system memory in such a way that an attacker could execute arbitrary code.

An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system.

Impact : In an e-mail attack scenario, an attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending a specially-crafted file to the user and by persuading the user to open the file.

In a Web-based attack scenario, an attacker would have to host a Web site that contains a Word 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. An attacker would have no way to force users to visit a malicious Web site. Instead, an attacker would have to persuade them to visit the Web site, typically by getting them to click a link that takes them to the attacker's site.

An attack that is successfully exploited would enable an attacker to install malicious code (worm, virus, Trojan horse), read confidential data, or take control over the target system.

Platforms Affected : Please review the Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-060 for a complete list of affected platforms: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS06-060.mspx

ZoneAlarm Products That Provide Protection : To ensure the most comprehensive protection, computer users should employ ZoneAlarm Security Suite, or ZoneAlarm Pro. Zone Labs products are not vulnerable to this attack. All Zone Labs security products, including ZoneAlarm, protect the user's system from unauthorized access and intrusions, and alert the user when malicious code attempts to access the network.

Recommended Actions :

ZoneAlarm Family

ZoneAlarm Pro and ZoneAlarm Security Suite protect your system against this vulnerability through "Internet Zone Security" and "Trusted Zone Security". It is recommended that you ensure the following:

• Internet Zone Security is set to High.
• Trusted Zone Security is set to Medium.
• Only trusted hosts are in the 'Trusted' Zone.

Check Point Integrity

Check Point Integrity protects your system against this vulnerability through the following available services:

Classic Firewall Rules

It is recommended that you ensure:

• Only trusted hosts are in the 'Trusted' Zone.

SmartDefense Program Advisor

SmartDefense Program Advisor automatically blocks malware. It is recommended that you ensure the following:

• Internet Zone Security is set to High.
• Trusted Zone Security is set to Medium.

For more information about activating SmartDefense Program Advisor, please refer to CPSA200600 .

Advanced Cooperative Enforcement

• Use Advanced Cooperative Enforcement to enforce policy upon remote endpoints.

Related Resources :

Install Microsoft patches to remove this vulnerability from the Windows Operating System and other software components: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

Review Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-060: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS06-060.mspx

Disclaimer : The information in this advisory is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on, this information.

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