Risk
High
Date Discovered
October 13, 2009
Description
Microsoft GDI+ is prone to a remote code-execution vulnerability because the vector graphics link library within the .NET framework fails to properly handle certain API calls.
Successful exploits can allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. Failed attacks will cause denial-of-service conditions.
In a web hosting environment, the attacker can leverage this issue to break out of the Code Access Security (CAS) sandbox to perform unauthorized actions on the underlying host.
Recommendations
Deploy network intrusion detection systems to monitor network traffic for malicious activity.
Deploy NIDS to monitor network traffic for suspicious activity such as 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.
Malicious media files may be hosted on a webpage, sent via email or instant messaging, or delivered through some other means. Never accept or open any files that originate from an untrusted source. Do not follow links provided by unknown or untrusted sources.
Do not visit sites of questionable integrity, especially if solicited to do so by an untrusted or unfamiliar source.Implement multiple redundant layers of security.
Memory-protection schemes such as nonexecutable stack/heap configurations and randomly mapped memory segments may complicate exploits of memory-corruption vulnerabilities.Run all software as a nonprivileged user with minimal access rights.
Ensure that all nonadministrative tasks, such as browsing the web and reading email, are performed as an unprivileged user with minimal access rights.
The vendor has released updates and an advisory. Please see the references for details.
Credits
Microsoft
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