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Microsoft Security Bulletin (MS00-071)
======================================
Patch Available for "Word Mail Merge" Vulnerability
Originally posted: October 5, 2000

Summary
=======
Microsoft has released a patch that eliminates a security
vulnerability in Microsoft(r) Word 2000 and 97. The vulnerability
could allow a malicious user to run arbitrary code on a victim's
computer without their approval.

Frequently asked questions regarding this vulnerability and the patch
can be found at
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/fq00-071.asp

Issue
=====
If an Access database is specified as a data source via DDE in a Word
mail merge document, macro code can run without the user's approval
when the user opens that document.

If a user could be enticed into opening a specially constructed mail
merge Word document, which was provided either as an e-mail
attachment or as a link hosted on a hostile web site, it would be
possible to cause arbitrary code to run on the user's machine. For
such an attack to succeed, the victim would also need the ability to
reach the Access database via a UNC share or file:// protocol. If the
user is behind a firewall and security best practices have been
followed, the ports required to access the database would be blocked.

Affected Software Versions
==========================
 - Microsoft Word 2000
 - Microsoft Word 97

Patch Availability
==================
 - Microsoft Word 2000:
   http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/2000/downloadDetails/wrdacc.htm
 - Microsoft Word 97: Patch will be available shortly.

Note Additional security patches are available at the Microsoft
Download Center

More Information
================
Please see the following references for more information related to
this issue.

 - Frequently Asked Questions: Microsoft Security Bulletin MS00-071,
   http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/fq00-071.asp
 - Microsoft Knowledge Base article Q274226 (Word 2000)
   http://www.microsoft.com/technet/support/kb.asp?ID=274226
 - Microsoft Knowledge Base article Q272749 (Word 97) will be
   available soon.
 - Microsoft TechNet Security web site,
   http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/default.asp

Obtaining Support on this Issue
===============================
This is a fully supported patch. Information on contacting Microsoft
Product Support Services is available at
http://support.microsoft.com/support/contact/default.asp.

Revisions
=========
October 5, 2000: Bulletin Created.

- -----------------------------------------------------------------

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DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
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OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO
THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last Updated October 5, 2000
(c) 2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of use.

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