Microsoft Windows TrueType font parsing vulnerability

Overview

A vulnerability in the Microsoft Windows TrueType font parsing component could allow an attacker to run arbitrary code in kernel mode. This vulnerability is reportedly being exploited by malicious software in the wild known as Duqu.

Description

The Microsoft Windows kernel includes a driver (win32k.sys) that handles a variety of graphics processing tasks, including the processing of TrueType fonts. A vulnerability exists in the way this driver handles certain embedded TrueType fonts. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute code with elevated privileges on the affected system.

A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by embedding a specially crafted font in a document attached to an email message or including the crafted font in a web page.

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Impact

An attacker may be able to run arbitrary code in kernel mode, resulting in complete system compromise. Secondary impacts include, but are not limited to, installation of programs; viewing, changing, or deleting data; or the creation of new system accounts with full privileges.

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Solution

Apply an update

Microsoft has addressed this issue in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS11-087. Users may also wish to consider applying the following workaround:

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Deny access to T2EMBED.DLL

Microsoft has published a workaround for this issue in Microsoft Security Advisory (2639658), which recommends denying access to T2EMBED.DLL. Users are encouraged to review this advisory and consider applying the workaround that it describes. Additionally, Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2639658 contains Microsoft Fix it 50792 and Microsoft Fix it 50793 to help users apply this workaround.

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Vendor Information

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Microsoft Corporation Affected

Notified: November 02, 2011 Updated: December 19, 2011

Statement Date: November 04, 2011

Status

Affected

Vendor Statement

We have not received a statement from the vendor.

Vendor Information

We are not aware of further vendor information regarding this vulnerability.

Vendor References

• <http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/bulletin/ms11-087&gt;
• <http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/advisory/2639658&gt;
• <http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2639658&gt;

CVSS Metrics

Group	Score	Vector
Base
Temporal
Environmental

References

<http://secunia.com/advisories/46724/&gt;

Acknowledgements

This document was written by Chad R Dougherty.

Other Information

CVE IDs:	CVE-2011-3402
Severity Metric:	26.73 Date Public: