Specifically, a buffer overflow in the GDI+ library allowed remote code execution. Attackers could exploit this by tricking users into viewing specially crafted WMF files, often embedded in web pages, emails, or documents.
The flaw was actively exploited in the wild before a patch was available, making it highly urgent. US-CERT advised immediate workarounds, like disabling WMF viewing or blocking certain file types. Microsoft quickly released a critical security update (MS06-001) to resolve the vulnerability.
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National Cyber Alert System
Technical Cyber Security Alert TA06-255A
Microsoft Windows and Publisher Vulnerabilities
Original release date: September 12, 2006
Last revised: --
Source: US-CERT
Systems Affected
* Microsoft Windows
* Microsoft Publisher
Overview
Microsoft has released updates that address critical
vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows and Microsoft
Publisher. Exploitation of these vulnerabilities could allow a
remote, unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause
a denial of service on a vulnerable system.
I. Description
Microsoft has released updates to address vulnerabilities in
Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Publisher as part of the Microsoft
Security Bulletin Summary for September 2006.
Further information will be available in the following
Vulnerability Notes.
II. Impact
A remote, unauthenticated attacker could execute arbitrary code on
a vulnerable system. An attacker may also be able to cause a denial
of service.
III. Solution
Apply updates from Microsoft
Microsoft has provided updates for these vulnerabilities in the
September 2006 Security Bulletins. The security bulletins describe
any known issues related to the updates. Note any known issues
described in the bulletins and test for any potentially adverse
affects in your environment.
Updates for Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office XP and later are
available on the Microsoft Update site. Microsoft Office 2000
updates are available on the Microsoft Office Update site.
System administrators may wish to consider using Windows Server
Update Services (WSUS).
References
* US-CERT Vulnerability Notes for Microsoft September 2006 updates -
<http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/byid?searchview&query=ms06-sep>
* Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for September 2006 -
<http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms06-sep.mspx>
* Microsoft Update - <https://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/>
* Microsoft Office Update - <http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/>
* Windows Server Update Services -
<http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/updateservices/defau
lt.mspx>
____________________________________________________________________
The most recent version of this document can be found at:
<http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA06-255A.html>
____________________________________________________________________
Feedback can be directed to US-CERT Technical Staff. Please send
email to <
subject.
____________________________________________________________________
For instructions on subscribing to or unsubscribing from this
mailing list, visit <http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/signup.html>.
____________________________________________________________________
Produced 2006 by US-CERT, a government organization.
Terms of use:
<http://www.us-cert.gov/legal.html>
____________________________________________________________________
Revision History
Sep 12, 2006: Initial release
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