Microsoft Windows MS XML CVE-2019-1060 Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Description

Microsoft Windows MS XML is prone to a remote code-execution vulnerability. An attacker can exploit this issue to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. Failed exploit attempts may result in a denial of service condition.

Technologies Affected

• Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607 for 32-bit Systems
• Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607 for x64-based Systems
• Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1709 for ARM64-based Systems
• Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1803 for 32-bit Systems
• Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1803 for ARM64-based Systems
• Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1803 for x64-based Systems
• Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 for 32-bit Systems
• Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 for ARM64-based Systems
• Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 for x64-based Systems
• Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1903 for 32-bit Systems
• Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1903 for ARM64-based Systems
• Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1903 for x64-based Systems
• Microsoft Windows 10 for 32-bit Systems
• Microsoft Windows 10 for x64-based Systems
• Microsoft Windows 10 version 1703 for 32-bit Systems
• Microsoft Windows 10 version 1703 for x64-based Systems
• Microsoft Windows 10 version 1709 for 32-bit Systems
• Microsoft Windows 10 version 1709 for x64-based Systems
• Microsoft Windows 8.1 for 32-bit Systems
• Microsoft Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems
• Microsoft Windows RT 8.1
• Microsoft Windows Server 1803
• Microsoft Windows Server 1903
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2
• Microsoft Windows Server 2016
• Microsoft Windows Server 2019

Recommendations

Run all software as a nonprivileged user with minimal access rights.
To reduce the impact of latent vulnerabilities, always run nonadministrative software as an unprivileged user with minimal access rights.

Deploy network intrusion detection systems to monitor network traffic for malicious activity.
Deploy NIDS to monitor network traffic for signs of anomalous or suspicious activity. This includes but is not limited to requests that include NOP sleds and unexplained incoming and outgoing traffic. This may indicate exploit attempts or activity that results from a successful exploit.

Do not accept or execute files from untrusted or unknown sources.
To reduce the likelihood of successful attacks, never handle or open files from unknown sources.

Do not follow links provided by unknown or untrusted sources.
To reduce the likelihood of successful exploits, never visit sites of questionable integrity or follow links provided by unfamiliar or untrusted sources.

Implement multiple redundant layers of security.
Various memory-protection schemes (such as nonexecutable and randomly mapped memory segments) may hinder an attacker’s ability to exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code. Host-based intrusion-prevention systems may also help prevent exploits.

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