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Microsoft Security Bulletin MS09-024 - Critical

Vulnerability in Microsoft Works Converters Could Allow Remote Code Execution (957632)

Published: | Updated:

Version: 1.1

General Information

Executive Summary

This security update resolves a privately reported vulnerability in the Microsoft Works converters. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user opens a specially crafted Works file. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the local user. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.

This security update is rated Critical for supported editions of Microsoft Office Word 2000. This security update is also rated important for supported editions of Microsoft Office Word 2002, Microsoft Office Word 2003 with the Microsoft Works 6–9 File Converter, and Microsoft Office Word 2007 Service Pack 1; and Microsoft Works 8.5 and Microsoft Works 9. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.

The security update addresses the vulnerability by modifying the way that Microsoft Office opens Works files. For more information about the vulnerability, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) subsection for the specific vulnerability entry under the next section, Vulnerability Information.

Recommendation. Microsoft recommends that customers apply the update immediately.

Known Issues. None

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, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle.

Affected Software

Office Suite and Other SoftwareComponentMaximum Security ImpactAggregate Severity RatingBulletins Replaced by this Update
Microsoft Office Suites and Components
Microsoft Office 2000 Service Pack 3Microsoft Office Word 2000 Service Pack 3
(KB957838)
Remote Code ExecutionCriticalNone
Microsoft Office XP Service Pack 3Microsoft Office Word 2002 Service Pack 3
(KB957646)
Remote Code ExecutionImportantNone
Microsoft Office 2003 Service Pack 3Microsoft Office Word 2003 Service Pack 3 with the Microsoft Works 6–9 File Converter*
(KB968326)
Remote Code ExecutionImportantNone
2007 Microsoft Office System Service Pack 1 Microsoft Office Word 2007 Service Pack 1
(KB969559)
Remote Code ExecutionImportantNone
Other Office Software
Microsoft Works 8.5
(KB967043)
Not applicableRemote Code ExecutionImportantMS08-072
Microsoft Works 9
(KB967044)
Not applicableRemote Code ExecutionImportantNone

*Microsoft Office Word 2003 is affected if a vulnerable Works converter is installed. Works converters are available for Microsoft Office Word 2003 as a download from Microsoft Works 6–9 File Converter.

Non-Affected Software

Office and Other SoftwareComponent
Microsoft Office Suites and Components
2007 Microsoft Office System Service Pack 2Microsoft Office Word 2007 Service Pack 2
Microsoft Office for Mac
Microsoft Office 2004 for MacNot applicable
Microsoft Office 2008 for MacNot applicable
Open XML File Format Converter for MacNot applicable
Other Office Software
Microsoft Office Word Viewer 2003 Service Pack 3Not applicable
Microsoft Office Word Viewer Service Pack 1 and Microsoft Office Word Viewer Service Pack 2Not applicable
Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats Service Pack 1 and Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats Service Pack 2Not applicable

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update

Vulnerability Information

Severity Ratings and Vulnerability Identifiers

File Converter Buffer Overflow Vulnerability - CVE-2009-1533

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:

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 visit the active protections Web sites provided by program partners, listed in Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) Partners.

Support

  • Customers in the U.S. and Canada can receive technical support from Security Support or 1-866-PCSAFETY. There is no charge for support calls that are associated with security updates. For more information about available support options, see Microsoft Help and Support.
  • International customers can receive support from their local Microsoft subsidiaries. There is no charge for support that is associated with security updates. For more information about how to contact Microsoft for support issues, visit the International Support Web site.

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 (June 9, 2009): Bulletin published.
  • V1.1 (October 13, 2009): Bulletin revised to announce the addition of language localizations to the update for Works 9. Customers who have already successfully applied the original update to Works 9 are not affected by this revision.