VUPEN Security Research - Microsoft Windows OLE Automation Remote Code
Execution Vulnerability

Website : http://www.vupen.com

Twitter : http://twitter.com/vupen


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

Microsoft Windows is a series of software operating systems and graphical
user interfaces produced by Microsoft. Windows had approximately 90% of
the market share of the client operating systems. (Wikipedia)


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

VUPEN Vulnerability Research Team discovered a critical vulnerability
in Microsoft Windows.

The vulnerability is caused by an integer overflow error in the
"SysAllocStringLen()" function within the "Oleaut32.dll" (Object Linking
and Embedding Automation) library, which could allow remote attackers
to execute arbitrary code via a specially crafted web page or Office
document.

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


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

Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3


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

In-depth technical analysis of the vulnerability and a fully functional
remote code execution exploit 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 MS13-020 security updates.


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

This vulnerability was discovered by Nicolas Joly of VUPEN Security


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

VUPEN is the leading provider of defensive and offensive cybersecurity
intelligence and advanced vulnerability research. VUPEN solutions enable
corporations and governments to manage risks, and protect critical networks
and infrastructures against known and unknown vulnerabilities.

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/ms13-020
http://www.vupen.com/english/research.php


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

2010-08-05 - Vulnerability Discovered by VUPEN and shared with customers
2013-02-12 - MS13-020 security bulletin released
2013-02-20 - Public disclosure