Microsoft Macro Assembler CVE-2018-8232 Security Bypass Vulnerability

Description

Microsoft Macro Assembler is prone to a security bypass vulnerability. An attacker can leverage this issue to bypass certain security restrictions; this may aid in launching further attacks.

Technologies Affected

• Microsoft Visual Studio 2017 15.7.5
• Microsoft Visual Studio 2017 15.8 Preview
• Microsoft Visual Studio 2017

Recommendations

Block external access at the network boundary, unless external parties require service.
Filter access to the affected computer at the network boundary if global access isn’t required. Restricting access to only trusted computers and networks might greatly reduce the likelihood of exploits.

Deploy network intrusion detection systems to monitor network traffic for malicious activity.
Deploy NIDS to monitor network traffic for anomalous or suspicious activity. Monitor logs generated by NIDS and by the server itself for evidence of attacks against the server.

Do not accept or execute files from untrusted or unknown sources.
To reduce the likelihood of successful exploits, never handle files that originate from unfamiliar or untrusted sources.

Permit privileged access for trusted individuals only.
Permitting access to vulnerable applications for trusted individuals only can reduce the risk of an exploit.

Updates are available. Please see the references or vendor advisory for more information.