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Microsoft Security Bulletin MS07-061 - Critical

Vulnerability in Windows URI Handling Could Allow Remote Code Execution (943460)

Published: | Updated:

Version: 1.2

General Information

Executive Summary

This update resolves a publicly reported vulnerability. A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the Windows shell handles specially crafted URIs that are passed to it. If the Windows shell did not sufficiently validate these URIs, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability and execute arbitrary code. Microsoft has only identified ways to exploit this vulnerability on systems using Internet Explorer 7. However, the vulnerability exists in a Windows file, Shell32.dll, which is included in all supported editions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.

This is a critical security update for all supported editions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.

This security update addresses the vulnerability by changing the way that Windows shell handles invalid URIs. For more information about the vulnerability, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) subsection for the specific vulnerability entry under the next section, Vulnerability Information.

This security update also addresses the vulnerability first described in Microsoft Security Advisory 943521. For more information, see the FAQ subsection for the specific vulnerability entry under the next section, Vulnerability Information.

Recommendation. Microsoft recommends that customers apply the update immediately.

Known Issues. Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 943460 documents 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, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle.

Affected Software

Operating SystemMaximum Security ImpactAggregate Severity RatingBulletins Replaced by This Update
Windows XP Service Pack 2Remote Code ExecutionCriticalMS06-045
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2Remote Code ExecutionCriticalMS06-045
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2Remote Code ExecutionCriticalMS06-045
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition and Windows 2003 Server x64 Edition Service Pack 2Remote Code ExecutionCriticalMS06-045
Windows Server 2003 with SP1 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium based SystemsRemote Code ExecutionCriticalMS06-045

Non-Affected Software

Operating System
Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4
Windows Vista
Windows Vista x64

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update

Vulnerability Information

Severity Ratings and Vulnerability Identifiers

Windows URI Handling Vulnerability - CVE-2007-3896

Update Information

Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance

Security Update Information

Other Information

Acknowledgments

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

  • Jesper Johansson for working with us on the Windows URI Handling Vulnerability (CVE-2007-3896).
  • Carsten H. Eiram of Secunia for working with us on the Windows URI Handling Vulnerability (CVE-2007-3896).
  • Aviv Raff of Finjan for working with us on the Windows URI Handling Vulnerability (CVE-2007-3896).
  • Petko Petkov of GNUCITIZEN for working with us on the Windows URI Handling Vulnerability (CVE-2007-3896).

Support

  • Customers in the U.S. and Canada can receive technical support from Microsoft Product Support Services at 1-866-PCSAFETY. There is no charge for support calls that are associated with security updates.
  • 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 (November 13, 2007): Bulletin published.
  • V1.1 (November 21, 2007): Bulletin updated to clarify that this bulletin only replaces MS06-045 and does not replace MS07-006.
  • V1.2 (January 16, 2008): Bulletin updated to add KB article information to the Known Issues area of the General Information section.