Microsoft Security Bulletin MS12-078 - Critical

Vulnerabilities in Windows Kernel-Mode Drivers Could Allow Remote Code Execution (2783534)

Published: | Updated:

Version: 2.0

General Information

Executive Summary

This security update resolves one publicly disclosed vulnerability and one privately reported vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. The more severe of these vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution if a user opens a specially crafted document or visits a malicious webpage that embeds TrueType or OpenType font files. An attacker would have to convince users to visit the website, typically by getting them to click a link in an email message that takes them to the attacker's website.

This security update is rated Critical for all supported releases of Microsoft Windows (except Server Core installations, which are rated Important). For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.

The security update addresses the vulnerabilities by correcting the way that the Windows kernel-mode drivers handle objects in memory. For more information about the vulnerabilities, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) subsection for the specific vulnerability entry under the next section, Vulnerability Information.

Recommendation.The majority of customers have automatic updating enabled and will not need to take any action because this security update will be downloaded and installed automatically. Customers who have not enabled automatic updating need to check for updates and install this update manually. For information about specific configuration options in automatic updating, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 294871.

For administrators and enterprise installations, or end users who want to install this security update manually, Microsoft recommends that customers apply the update immediately using update management software, or by checking for updates using the Microsoft Update service.

See also the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, later in this bulletin.

Known Issues. Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2783534 documents the currently known issues that customers may experience when installing this security update. The article also documents recommended solutions for these issues.

Affected and Non-Affected Software

The following software have been tested to determine which versions or editions are affected. Other versions or editions are either past their support life cycle or are not affected. To determine the support life cycle for your software version or edition, see Microsoft Support Lifecycle.

Affected Software 

Operating SystemMaximum Security ImpactAggregate Severity RatingUpdates Replaced
Windows XP
Windows XP Service Pack 3
(KB2753842)

Windows XP Service Pack 3
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
(KB2753842)

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
(KB2753842)

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
(KB2753842)

Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems
(KB2753842)

Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows Vista
Windows Vista Service Pack 2
(KB2753842)

Windows Vista Service Pack 2
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2
(KB2753842)

Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows Server 2008
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2
(KB2753842)

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2
(KB2753842)

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2
(KB2753842)

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows 7
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems
(KB2753842)

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1
(KB2753842)

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems
(KB2753842)

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1
(KB2753842)

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems
(KB2753842)

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1
(KB2753842)

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems
(KB2753842)

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1
(KB2753842)

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows 8
Windows 8 for 32-bit Systems
(KB2753842)

Windows 8 for 32-bit Systems
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalNo updates replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows 8 for 64-bit Systems
(KB2753842)

Windows 8 for 64-bit Systems
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalNo updates replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows Server 2012
Windows Server 2012
(KB2753842)

Windows Server 2012
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalNo updates replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows RT[1]
(KB2753842)

Windows RT[1]
(KB2779030)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalNo updates replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Server Core installation option
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation)
(KB2753842)

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation)
(KB2779030)
Elevation of PrivilegeImportantKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation)
(KB2753842)

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation)
(KB2779030)
Elevation of PrivilegeImportantKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems (Server Core installation)
(KB2753842)

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems (Server Core installation)
(KB2779030)
Elevation of PrivilegeImportantKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation)
(KB2753842)

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation)
(KB2779030)
Elevation of PrivilegeImportantKB2507618 in MS11-032 replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030
Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation)
(KB2753842)

Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation)
(KB2779030)
Elevation of PrivilegeImportantNo updates replaced by KB2753842

KB2761226 in MS12-075 replaced by KB2779030

[1]This update is available via Windows Update only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update

Vulnerability Information

Severity Ratings and Vulnerability Identifiers

OpenType Font Parsing Vulnerability - CVE-2012-2556

TrueType Font Parsing Vulnerability - CVE-2012-4786

Update Information

Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance

Security Update Deployment

Other Information

Acknowledgments

Microsoft thanks the following for working with us to help protect customers:

  • Eetu Luodemaa and Joni Vähämäki of Documill, working with the Chromium Security Rewards Program, for reporting the Windows Font Parsing Vulnerability (CVE-2012-2556)

Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP)

To improve security protections for customers, Microsoft provides vulnerability information to major security software providers in advance of each monthly security update release. Security software providers can then use this vulnerability information to provide updated protections to customers via their security software or devices, such as antivirus, network-based intrusion detection systems, or host-based intrusion prevention systems. To determine whether active protections are available from security software providers, please go to the active protections websites provided by program partners, listed in Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) Partners.

Support

How to obtain help and support for this security update

Disclaimer

The information provided in the Microsoft Knowledge Base is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Microsoft disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, loss of business profits or special damages, even if Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages so the foregoing limitation may not apply.

Revisions

  • V1.0 (December 11, 2012): Bulletin published.
  • V1.1 (December 14, 2012): Added a link to Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2783534 under Known Issues in the Executive Summary.
  • V2.0 (December 20, 2012): Rereleased update KB2753842 to resolve an issue with OpenType fonts not properly rendering after the original update was installed. Customers who have successfully installed the original KB2753842 update need to install the rereleased update.