VUPEN Security Research - Microsoft Internet Explorer "Col" Element 
Remote Heap Overflow (MS12-037 / CVE-2012-1876)

Website : http://www.vupen.com/english/research.php

Twitter : http://twitter.com/vupen


I. BACKGROUND
---------------------

"Microsoft Internet Explorer is a web browser developed by Microsoft and
included as part of the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems with
more than 60% of the worldwide usage share of web browsers." (Wikipedia)


II. DESCRIPTION
---------------------

VUPEN Vulnerability Research Team discovered a critical vulnerability
in Microsoft Internet Explorer.

The vulnerability is caused by a heap overflow error in the mshtml.dll
module when processing "Col" elements, which could allow remote attackers
to leak memory and execute arbitrary code despite ASLR and DEP.

CVSS Score: 10 (AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C)


III. AFFECTED PRODUCTS
---------------------------

Microsoft Internet Explorer 10
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6

Microsoft Windows 8 for 32-bit Systems
Microsoft Windows 8 for x64-based Systems
Microsoft Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems
Microsoft Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1
Microsoft Windows 7 for x64-based Systems
Microsoft Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1
Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 1
Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 2
Microsoft Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1
Microsoft Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems
Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3
Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2


IV. Binary Analysis & Exploits/PoCs
---------------------------------------

In-depth technical analysis of the vulnerability and a functional exploit
including ASLR and DEP bypass are available through the VUPEN BAE
(Binary Analysis & Exploits) portal:

http://www.vupen.com/english/services/ba-index.php

VUPEN Binary Analysis & Exploits Service provides private exploits and
in-depth technical analysis of the most significant public vulnerabilities
based on disassembly, reverse engineering, protocol analysis, and code 
audit.

The service allows governments and major corporations to evaluate risks, and
protect infrastructures and assets against new threats. The service also
allows security vendors (IPS, IDS, AntiVirus) to supplement their internal
research efforts and quickly develop both vulnerability-based and
exploit-based signatures to proactively protect their customers from attacks
and emerging threats.


V. VUPEN Threat Protection Program
-----------------------------------

Governments and major corporations which are members of the VUPEN Threat
Protection Program (TPP) have been proactively alerted about the 
vulnerability
when it was discovered by VUPEN in advance of its public disclosure, and
have received a detailed attack detection guidance to protect national and
critical infrastructures against potential 0-day attacks exploiting this
vulnerability:

http://www.vupen.com/english/services/tpp-index.php


VI. SOLUTION
----------------

Apply MS12-037 security update.


VII. CREDIT
--------------

This vulnerability was discovered by Alexandre Pelletier of VUPEN Security


VIII. ABOUT VUPEN Security
---------------------------

VUPEN is the leadering provider of advanced vulnerability research for
defensive and offensive cyber security. VUPEN solutions enable corporations
and governments to measure and manage risks, eliminate vulnerabilities
before they can be exploited, and protect critical infrastructures and
assets against known and unknown vulnerabilities.

VUPEN has been recognized as "Company of the Year 2011 in the Vulnerability
Research Market" by Frost & Sullivan.

VUPEN has been recognized as "Company of the Year 2011 in the Vulnerability
Research Market" by Frost & Sullivan.

VUPEN solutions include:

* VUPEN Binary Analysis & Exploits Service (BAE) :
http://www.vupen.com/english/services/ba-index.php

* VUPEN Threat Protection Program (TPP) :
http://www.vupen.com/english/services/tpp-index.php


IX. REFERENCES
----------------------

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/bulletin/ms12-037
http://www.vupen.com/english/research.php


X. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
-----------------------------

2012-02-02 - Vulnerability Discovered by VUPEN and used at Pwn2own
2012-06-12 - Public disclosure