Vulnerability Note VU#943749

Microsoft font processing buffer overflow vulnerability

Overview

A privilege elevation vulnerability exists in the way that Microsoft Windows processes certain fonts. This vulnerability could allow a logged on user to take complete control of the system.

I. Description

Due to an unchecked buffer in the processing of malicious fonts, a locally authenticated user could take complete control of an affected system. Microsoft indicates that this vulnerability could not be exploited remotely.

II. Impact

A locally authenticated user could potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges and gain complete control of the system.

Microsoft indicates that attempts to exploit this vulnerability on systems running Windows XP Service pack 2 would most likely result in a denial-of-service condition.

III. Solution

Apply a patch

Microsoft has published Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-018 in response to this issue. Users are strongly encouraged to review this advisory and apply the patches it refers to.

Systems Affected

Vendor	Status	Date Notified	Date Updated
Microsoft Corporation	Vulnerable	13-Apr-2005

References

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS05-018.mspx

Credit

Thanks to Microsoft who in turn thank John Heasman with Next Generation Security Software Ltd. for reporting the Font Vulnerability.

This document was written by Robert Mead based on information provided by Microsoft.

Other Information

Date Public:	2005-04-12
Date First Published:	2005-04-13
Date Last Updated:	2005-05-12
CERT Advisory:
CVE-ID(s):	CAN-2005-0060
NVD-ID(s):	CAN-2005-0060
US-CERT Technical Alerts:
Metric:	2.43
Document Revision:	19

If you have feedback, comments, or additional information about this vulnerability, please send us email.

Get Adobe Reader