Risk
High
Date Discovered
September 13, 2006
Description
Microsoft Internet Explorer is prone to a heap-based buffer-overflow vulnerability.
The vulnerability arises because of the way Internet Explorer tries to instantiate certain COM objects as ActiveX controls.
An attacker can exploit this issue to execute arbitrary code within the context of the affected application. Failed exploit attempts will result in a denial-of-service condition.
This issue is similar to, but separate from, the one described in BID 19738 (Microsoft Internet Explorer Daxctle.OCX Spline Method Heap Buffer Overflow Vulnerability).
Microsoft has released information stating that this issue is being exploited publicly in limited attacks.
Recommendations
Run all software as a nonprivileged user with minimal access rights.
Ensure that all non-administrative tasks, such as browsing the web and reading email, are performed as an unprivileged user with minimal access rights.Do not follow links provided by unknown or untrusted sources.
Users should never visit sites of questionable integrity or follow links provided by unfamiliar or untrusted sources.Set web browser security to disable the execution of script code or active content.
Disabling scripting and active content in the Internet Zone may limit exposure to this and other vulnerabilities.
Microsoft released an advisory and fixes to address this issue. Please see the references for more information.
Credits
XSec is credited with the discovery of this vulnerability.
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secure@symantec.com.
Disclaimer
The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on, this information.
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