Office-VISTA firewall-Adobe Flash-other vulnerabilities - US-Cert-combined

Another warning concerning Apple Quick Time. Note it says ALL versions are
effected AND provides registry hacks to potentially correct the issues.

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National Cyber Alert System
Technical Cyber Security Alert TA07-334A


Apple QuickTime RTSP Buffer Overflow

Original release date: November 30, 2007
Last revised: --
Source: US-CERT

Systems Affected

A buffer overflow in Apple QuickTime affects:
* Apple QuickTime for Windows
* Apple QuickTime for Apple Mac OS X

Overview

Apple QuickTime contains a buffer overflow vulnerability in the way
QuickTime processes Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) streams.
Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute
arbitrary code.

I. Description

Apple QuickTime contains a stack buffer overflow vulnerability in the
way QuickTime handles the RTSP Content-Type header. Most versions of
QuickTime prior to and including 7.3 running on all supported Apple
Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows platforms are vulnerable. Since
QuickTime is a component of Apple iTunes, iTunes installations are
also affected by this vulnerability.

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to
access a specially crafted HTML document such as a web page or email
message. The HTML document could use a variety of techniques to cause
QuickTime to load a specially crafted RTSP stream. Common web
browsers, including Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and
Apple Safari can be used to pass RTSP streams to QuickTime, exploit
the vulnerability, and execute arbitrary code.

Exploit code for this vulnerability was first posted publicly on
November 25, 2007.

II. Impact

This vulnerability could allow a remote, unauthenticated attacker to
execute arbitrary code or commands and cause a denial-of-service
condition.

III. Solution

As of November 30, 2007, a QuickTime update for this vulnerability is
not available. To block attack vectors, consider the following
workarounds.

Block the rtsp:// protocol

Using a proxy or firewall capable of recognizing and blocking RTSP
traffic can mitigate this vulnerability. Known public exploit code for
this vulnerability uses the default RTSP port 554/tcp, however RTSP
can use a variety of ports.

Disable file association for QuickTime files

Disable the file association for QuickTime file types. This can be
accomplished by deleting the following registry keys:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\QuickTime.*

This will remove the association for approximately 32 file types that
are configured to open with QuickTime Player.

Disable the QuickTime ActiveX controls in Internet Explorer

The QuickTime ActiveX controls can be disabled in Internet Explorer by
setting the kill bit for the following CLSIDs:
{02BF25D5-8C17-4B23-BC80-D3488ABDDC6B}
{4063BE15-3B08-470D-A0D5-B37161CFFD69}

More information about how to set the kill bit is available in
Microsoft Knolwedgebase Article 240797. Alternatively, the following
text can be saved as a .REG file and imported to set the kill bit for
these controls:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\ActiveX
Compatibility\{02BF25D5-8C17-4B23-BC80-D3488ABDDC6B}]
"Compatibility Flags"=dword:00000400

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\ActiveX
Compatibility\{4063BE15-3B08-470D-A0D5-B37161CFFD69}]
"Compatibility Flags"=dword:00000400

Disable the QuickTime plug-in for Mozilla-based browsers

Users of Mozilla-based browsers, such as Firefox can disable the
QuickTime plugin, as specified in the PluginDoc article Uninstalling
Plugins.

Disable JavaScript

For instructions on how to disable JavaScript, please refer to the
Securing Your Web Browser document. This can help prevent some attack
techniques that use the QuickTime plug-in or ActiveX control.

Secure your web browser

To help mitigate these and other vulnerabilities that can be exploited
via a web browser, refer to Securing Your Web Browser.

Do not access QuickTime files from untrusted sources

Do not open QuickTime files from any untrusted sources, including
unsolicited files or links received in email, instant messages, web
forums, or internet relay chat (IRC) channels.


References

* US-CERT Vulnerability Note VU#659761 -
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/659761

* Securing Your Web Browser -
http://www.us-cert.gov/reading_room/securing_browser/

* Mozilla Uninstalling Plugins -
http://plugindoc.mozdev.org/faqs/uninstall.html

* How to stop an ActiveX control from running in Internet Explorer -
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/240797

* IETF RFC 2326 Real Time Streaming Protocol -
http://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc2326


__________________________________________________ _______________

The most recent version of this document can be found at:

http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA07-334A.html
__________________________________________________ _______________

Feedback can be directed to US-CERT Technical Staff. Please send
email to with "TA07-334A Feedback VU#659761" in the
subject.
__________________________________________________ _______________

For instructions on subscribing to or unsubscribing from this
mailing list, visit http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/signup.html.
__________________________________________________ _______________

Produced 2007 by US-CERT, a government organization.

Terms of use:

http://www.us-cert.gov/legal.html
__________________________________________________ _______________

Revision History

November 30, 2007: Initial release
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--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
________

MEB wrote:

Another warning concerning Apple Quick Time. Note it says ALL
versions are effected AND provides registry hacks to potentially
correct the issues.

Apple QuickTime contains a stack buffer overflow vulnerability
in the way QuickTime handles the RTSP Content-Type header.
Most versions of QuickTime prior to and including 7.3 running
on all supported Apple Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows platforms
are vulnerable.

I apparently have version 6.5 installed.

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a
user to access a specially crafted HTML document such as a web
page or email message.

Ok.

The HTML document could use a variety of techniques to cause
QuickTime to load a specially crafted RTSP stream.

Ok, but how can that happen according to this:

"QuickTime does not appear to register itself as the handler
for the RTSP protocol on Windows systems"

Unless because of this:

"Disable the file association for QuickTime file types to help
prevent windows applications from using Apple QuickTime to open
QuickTime files. This can be accomplished by deleting the
following registry keys:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\QuickTime.*
This will remove the association for approximately 32 file types
that are configured to open with the QuickTime Player software.

I suppose the easiest solution is to rename the file "qtplugin.ocx".

Any idea if quicktime alternative is vulnerable?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QuickTime_Alternative

"98 Guy" wrote in message ...
| MEB wrote:
|
| Another warning concerning Apple Quick Time. Note it says ALL
| versions are effected AND provides registry hacks to potentially
| correct the issues.
|
| Apple QuickTime contains a stack buffer overflow vulnerability
| in the way QuickTime handles the RTSP Content-Type header.
| Most versions of QuickTime prior to and including 7.3 running
| on all supported Apple Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows platforms
| are vulnerable.
|
| I apparently have version 6.5 installed.
|
| An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a
| user to access a specially crafted HTML document such as a web
| page or email message.
|
| Ok.
|
| The HTML document could use a variety of techniques to cause
| QuickTime to load a specially crafted RTSP stream.
|
| Ok, but how can that happen according to this:
|
| "QuickTime does not appear to register itself as the handler
| for the RTSP protocol on Windows systems"

Yeah, a somewhat misleading comment there... so its just MAC or ...
But when taken with the Apple warning of a month or so ago, Windows seems
to be one to be concerned about as well.

|
| Unless because of this:
|
| "Disable the file association for QuickTime file types to help
| prevent windows applications from using Apple QuickTime to open
| QuickTime files. This can be accomplished by deleting the
| following registry keys:
|
| HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\QuickTime.*
| This will remove the association for approximately 32 file types
| that are configured to open with the QuickTime Player software.
|
| I suppose the easiest solution is to rename the file "qtplugin.ocx".

From what appears, that may be an additional fix. I really haven't used
QuickTime for almost a couple years now, so I have no way to test or review
what would or wouldn't work.. though without the OCX at least it wouldn't
apparently load when called via a web page or other.

|
| Any idea if quicktime alternative is vulnerable?
|
| http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QuickTime_Alternative

Oh wow, thanks for the link [will look sometime soon]. Perhaps that might
be the next issue to test before I stop doing so [okay, so now the target
end date is January maybe]... never even bothered to look for a replacement
....

Have you tried it yet, e.g. anything to report?

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
________

This post combines two bulletins from CERT, note discussion:
98 Guy post on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 10:34:29 -0500 - * IE gets security
makeover in Patch Tuesday batch* in this discussion group.
Xref: TK2MSFTNGP01.phx.gbl microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion:835296
Note other segments of that discussion generally...

The second bulletin relates to general advise related to on-line shopping
and other related use [banking, etc.].

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National Cyber Alert System

Technical Cyber Security Alert TA07-345A


Microsoft Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities

Original release date: December 11, 2007
Last revised: --
Source: US-CERT

Systems Affected

* Microsoft Windows
* Microsoft Internet Explorer

Overview

Microsoft has released updates that address critical vulnerabilities
in Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer. Exploitation of these
vulnerabilities could allow a remote, unauthenticated attacker to
execute arbitrary commands.

I. Description

Microsoft has released updates to address vulnerabilities that affect
Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer as part of the Microsoft
Security Bulletin Summary for December 2007. The most severe
vulnerabilities could allow a remote, unauthenticated attacker to
execute arbitrary commands. For more information, see the US-CERT
Vulnerability Notes Database.

II. Impact

A remote, unauthenticated attacker could execute arbitrary commands on
a vulnerable system.

III. Solution

Apply updates from Microsoft

Microsoft has provided updates for these vulnerabilities in the
December 2007 security bulletins. The security bulletins describe any
known issues related to the updates. Administrators are encouraged to
note these issues and test for any potentially adverse effects.
Administrators should consider using an automated update distribution
system such as Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).

IV. References

* US-CERT Vulnerability Notes for Microsoft December 2007 updates -
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/byid?searchview&query=ms07-dec

* Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for December 2007 -
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms07-dec.mspx

* Microsoft Update - https://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/

* Windows Server Update Services -

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/updateservices/default.mspx

* Securing Your Web Browser -
http://www.us-cert.gov/reading_room/securing_browser/

__________________________________________________ _______________

The most recent version of this document can be found at:

http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA07-345A.html
__________________________________________________ _______________

Feedback can be directed to US-CERT Technical Staff. Please send
email to with "TA07-345A Feedback VU#437393" in the
subject.
__________________________________________________ _______________

For instructions on subscribing to or unsubscribing from this
mailing list, visit http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/signup.html.
__________________________________________________ _______________

Produced 2007 by US-CERT, a government organization.

Terms of use:

http://www.us-cert.gov/legal.html
__________________________________________________ ____________

Revision History

December 11, 2007: Initial release


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-----------

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Cyber Security Tip ST07-001
Shopping Safely Online


Online shopping has become a popular way to purchase items without the
hassles of traffic and crowds. However, the Internet has unique risks,
so it is important to take steps to protect yourself when shopping
online.

Why do online shoppers have to take special precautions?

The Internet offers a convenience that is not available from any other
shopping outlet. From the comfort of your home, you can search for
items from countless vendors, compare prices with a few simple mouse
clicks, and make purchases without waiting in line. However, the
Internet is also convenient for attackers, giving them multiple ways
to access the personal and financial information of unsuspecting
shoppers. Attackers who are able to obtain this information may use it
for their own financial gain, either by making purchases themselves or
by selling the information to someone else.

How do attackers target online shoppers?

There are three common ways that attackers can take advantage of
online shoppers:
* Targeting vulnerable computers - If you do not take steps to
protect your computer from viruses or other malicious code, an
attacker may be able to gain access to your computer and all of
the information on it. It is also important for vendors to protect
their computers to prevent attackers from accessing customer
databases.
* Creating fraudulent sites and email messages - Unlike traditional
shopping, where you know that a store is actually the store it
claims to be, attackers can create malicious web sites that mimic
legitimate ones or create email messages that appear to have been
sent from a legitimate source. Charities may also be
misrepresented in this way, especially after natural disasters or
during holiday seasons. Attackers create these malicious sites and
email messages to try to convince you to supply personal and
financial information.
* Intercepting insecure transactions - If a vendor does not use
encryption, an attacker may be able to intercept your information
as it is being transmitted.

How can you protect yourself?

* Use and maintain anti-virus software, a firewall, and anti-spyware
software - Protect yourself against viruses and Trojan horses that
may steal or modify the data on your own computer and leave you
vulnerable by using anti-virus software and a firewall (see
Understanding Anti-Virus Software and Understanding Firewalls for
more information). Make sure to keep your virus definitions up to
date. Spyware or adware hidden in software programs may also give
attackers access to your data, so use a legitimate anti-spyware
program to scan your computer and remove any of these files (see
Recognizing and Avoiding Spyware for more information).
* Keep software, particularly your web browser, up to date - Install
software patches so that attackers cannot take advantage of known
problems or vulnerabilities (see Understanding Patches for more
information). Many operating systems offer automatic updates. If
this option is available, you should enable it.
* Evaluate your software's settings - The default settings of most
software enable all available functionality. However, attackers
may be able to take advantage of this functionality to access your
computer (see Evaluating Your Web Browser's Security Settings for
more information). It is especially important to check the
settings for software that connects to the Internet (browsers,
email clients, etc.). Apply the highest level of security
available that still gives you the functionality you need.
* Do business with reputable vendors - Before providing any personal
or financial information, make sure that you are interacting with
a reputable, established vendor. Some attackers may try to trick
you by creating malicious web sites that appear to be legitimate,
so you should verify the legitimacy before supplying any
information (see Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks
and Understanding Web Site Certificates for more information).
Locate and note phone numbers and physical addresses of vendors in
case there is a problem with your transaction or your bill.
* Take advantage of security features - Passwords and other security
features add layers of protection if used appropriately (see
Choosing and Protecting Passwords and Supplementing Passwords for
more information).
* Be wary of emails requesting information - Attackers may attempt
to gather information by sending emails requesting that you
confirm purchase or account information (see Avoiding Social
Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more information). Legitimate
businesses will not solicit this type of information through
email.
* Check privacy policies - Before providing personal or financial
information, check the web site's privacy policy. Make sure you
understand how your information will be stored and used (see
Protecting Your Privacy for more information).
* Make sure your information is being encrypted - Many sites use
SSL, or secure sockets layer, to encrypt information. Indications
that your information will be encrypted include a URL that begins
with "https:" instead of "http:" and a lock icon in the bottom
right corner of the window.
* Use a credit card - Unlike debit cards, credit cards may have a
limit on the monetary amount you will be responsible for paying if
your information is stolen and used by someone else. You can
further minimize damage by using a single credit card with a low
credit line for all of your online purchases.
* Check your statements - Keep a record of your purchases and copies
of confirmation pages, and compare them to your bank statements.
If there is a discrepancy, report it immediately (see Preventing
and Responding to Identity Theft for more information).
__________________________________________________ _______________

Authors: Mindi McDowell, Monica Maher
__________________________________________________ _______________

Produced 2007 by US-CERT, a government organization.

Terms of use

http://www.us-cert.gov/legal.html

This document can also be found at

http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST07-001.html


For instructions on subscribing to or unsubscribing from this
mailing list, visit http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/signup.html.
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Watch out for this one, FLASH issues...


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National Cyber Alert System

Technical Cyber Security Alert TA07-355A


Adobe Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities

Original release date: December 21, 2007
Last revised: --
Source: US-CERT

Systems Affected

* Adobe Flash Player 9.0.48.0 and earlier
* Adobe Flash Player 8.0.35.0 and earlier
* Adobe Flash Player 7.0.70.0 and earlier

Overview

Adobe has released Security bulletin APSB07-20 to address multiple
vulnerabilities affecting Adobe Flash Player. Attackers could exploit
these vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code, perform DNS rebinding
and cross-site scripting attacks, conduct port scans, or cause a
denial of service.

I. Description

Adobe Security Update APSB07-20 addresses a number of vulnerabilities
affecting Adobe Flash 9.0.48.0 and earlier, 8.0.35.0 and earlier and
7.0.70 and earlier. Further details are available in the related
vulnerability notes.

An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by convincing a user
to load a specially crafted Flash file. Flash content is widely
deployed on the internet. An attacker could distribute Flash files
using web sites that allow user-supplied content, like popular social
networking sites.

II. Impact

The impacts of these vulnerabilities vary. An attacker may be able to
execute arbitrary code, perform DNS rebinding or cross-site scripting
attacks, conduct port scans, or cause a denial of service.

III. Solution

Upgrade Flash Player

Upgrade Flash Player according to the information in Adobe Security
bulletin APSB97-20. For the port scanning issue (CVE-2007-4324),
consider ActionScript network socket functionality per TechNote
kb402956.

Adobe provides a way to determine which version of Flash Player is
installed and a way to configure notifications of updates.

IV. References

* Vulnerability notes for Adobe Security Update APSB07-20 -
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/byid?searchview&query=APSB07-20

* Adobe Security Bulletin APSB07-20 -
http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb07-20.html

* Securing Your Web Browser -
http://www.us-cert.gov/reading_room/securing_browser/

__________________________________________________ _______________

The most recent version of this document can be found at:

http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA07-355A.html
__________________________________________________ _______________

Feedback can be directed to US-CERT Technical Staff. Please send
email to with "TA07-355A Feedback VU#758769" in the
subject.
__________________________________________________ _______________

For instructions on subscribing to or unsubscribing from this
mailing list, visit http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/signup.html.
__________________________________________________ _______________

Produced 2007 by US-CERT, a government organization.

Terms of use:

http://www.us-cert.gov/legal.html
__________________________________________________ _______________


Revision History

December 21, 2007: Initial release
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--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
________