Multiple Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Graphics Component Could Allow for Remote Code Execution (MS16-055)

ITS Advisory Number:

2016-087

Date(s) Issued:

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Subject:

Multiple Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Graphics Component Could Allow for Remote Code Execution (MS16-055)

Overview:

Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Microsoft Windows, the most severe of which could allow for remote code execution. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by either convincing a user to open a specially crafted document or convincing a user to visit a specially crafted webpage. Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could result in an attacker gaining the same privileges as the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights.

Systems Affected:

Windows Vista
Windows Server 2008, 2008 R2 (Including Server Core installations)
Windows 7
Windows 8.1, RT 8.1
Windows Server 2012, 2012 R2 (Including Server Core installations)
Windows 10

RISK

GOVERNMENT

Large and medium government entities:

High

Small government entities:

Medium

BUSINESS

Large and medium business entities:

High

Small business entities:

Medium

Home Users:

Low

Description:

Multiple vulnerabilities exist in Microsoft Windows, the most severe of which could allow remote code execution. The vulnerabilities are as follows:

Multiple information disclosure vulnerabilities exist when the Windows GDI component improperly discloses the contents of its memory (CVE-2016-0168, CVE-2016-0169).
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows GDI component fails to properly handle objects in memory (CVE-2016-0170).
A use after free vulnerability in could allow for remote code execution when the Windows GDI component fails to properly handle objects in memory (CVE-2016-0184).
A memory corruption vulnerability exists in Windows when the Windows Imaging Component fails to handle objects in memory (CVE -2016-0195).

Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could result in an attacker gaining the same privileges as the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights.

Actions:

After appropriate testing, apply applicable patches provided by Microsoft to vulnerable systems.
Run all software as a non-privileged user (one without administrative privileges) to diminish the effects of a successful attack.
Remind users not to visit un-trusted websites or follow links provided by unknown or un-trusted sources.
Inform and educate users regarding the threats posed by hypertext links contained in emails or attachments especially from untrusted sources.

References:

Microsoft:

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms16-055

CVE:

https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2016-0168

https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2016-0169

https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2016-0170

https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2016-0184

https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2016-0195