Vulnerability Note VU#989932

Microsoft contains a buffer overflow in the Local Troubleshooter ActiveX control (Tshoot.ocx)

Overview

Microsoft Windows ships with a troubleshooting application to assist users with problems. A vulnerability in this application may permit a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user.

I. Description

Microsoft Windows 2000 ships with an ActiveX control (Tshoot.ocx) that is a troubleshooting application to assist users with various system problems. A buffer overflow vulnerability exists in this control that may permit a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. Since this control is marked Safe for Scripting, a remote attacker who could trick the victim into viewing a crafted HTML web site, or HTML-based email message may be able to exploit this vulnerability.

It should be noted that the Microsoft Local Troubleshooter ActiveX control is installed as a default part of the operating system on Windows 2000.

II. Impact

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to the arbitrary execution of code with the privileges of the current user.

III. Solution

Microsoft has released patches in MS03-042 and Knowledgebase Article 826232 to address this issue. Apply the patches as appropriate.

According to the Microsoft Advisory, Microsoft Windows 2000 with Service Pack 2, Service Pack 3 or Service Pack 4 are vulnerable to this issue. Windows NT 4.0, NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition , Windows XP, Windows Millennium Edition and Windows Server 2003 are not affected by this issue.

Systems Affected

Vendor	Status	Date Notified	Date Updated
Microsoft Corporation	Vulnerable	16-Oct-2003

References

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS03-042.asp
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=826232

Credit

This vulnerability was reported in a Microsoft Security Bulletin.

This document was written by Jason A Rafail and is based on MS03-042.

Other Information

Date Public:	2003-10-15
Date First Published:	2003-10-16
Date Last Updated:	2003-10-16
CERT Advisory:
CVE-ID(s):	CAN-2003-0661
NVD-ID(s):	CAN-2003-0661
US-CERT Technical Alerts:
Metric:	25.31
Document Revision:	7

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