Security Bulletin
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS11-068 - Moderate
Vulnerability in Windows Kernel Could Allow Denial of Service (2556532)
Published: August 09, 2011 | Updated: August 10, 2011
Version: 1.1
General Information
Executive Summary
This security update resolves a privately reported vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability could allow denial of service if a user visits a network share (or visits a Web site that points to a network share) containing a specially crafted file. In all cases, however, an attacker would have no way to force a user to visit such a network share or Web site. Instead, an attacker would have to convince a user to do so, typically by getting the user to click a link in an e-mail message or Instant Messenger message.
This security update is rated Moderate for all supported editions of Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.
The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting the way that the Windows kernel parses metadata information in 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. 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 consider applying the security update 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. 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
***Server Core installation not affected. The vulnerability addressed by this update does not affect supported editions of Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 as indicated, when installed using the Server Core installation option, even though files affected by this vulnerability may be present on the system. However, users with the affected files will still be offered this update because the update files are newer (with higher version numbers) than the files that are currently on your system. For more information on this installation option, see the TechNet articles, Managing a Server Core Installation and Servicing a Server Core Installation. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.
Non-Affected Software
| Operating System |
|---|
| Windows XP Service Pack 3 |
| Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2 |
| Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 |
| Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2 |
| Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update
Where are the file information details?
Refer to the reference tables in the Security Update Deployment section for the location of the file information details.
I am using an older release of the software discussed in this security bulletin. What should I do?
The affected software listed in this bulletin have been tested to determine which releases are affected. Other releases are past their support life cycle. For more information about the product lifecycle, visit the Microsoft Support Lifecycle Web site.
It should be a priority for customers who have older releases of the software to migrate to supported releases to prevent potential exposure to vulnerabilities. To determine the support lifecycle for your software release, see Select a Product for Lifecycle Information. For more information about service packs for these software releases, see Lifecycle Supported Service Packs.
Customers who require custom support for older software must contact their Microsoft account team representative, their Technical Account Manager, or the appropriate Microsoft partner representative for custom support options. Customers without an Alliance, Premier, or Authorized Contract can contact their local Microsoft sales office. For contact information, visit the Microsoft Worldwide Information Web site, select the country in the Contact Information list, and then click Go to see a list of telephone numbers. When you call, ask to speak with the local Premier Support sales manager. For more information, see the Microsoft Support Lifecycle Policy FAQ.
Vulnerability Information
Severity Ratings and Vulnerability Identifiers
The following severity ratings assume the potential maximum impact of the vulnerability. For information regarding the likelihood, within 30 days of this security bulletin's release, of the exploitability of the vulnerability in relation to its severity rating and security impact, please see the Exploitability Index in the August bulletin summary. For more information, see Microsoft Exploitability Index.
| Affected Software | Windows Kernel Metadata Parsing DOS Vulnerability - CVE-2011-1971 | Aggregate Severity Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Vista Service Pack 2 | Moderate \ Denial of Service | Moderate |
| Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | Moderate \ Denial of Service | Moderate |
| Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 | Moderate \ Denial of Service | Moderate |
| Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 | Moderate \ Denial of Service | Moderate |
| Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2 | Moderate \ Denial of Service | Moderate |
| Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 | Moderate \ Denial of Service | Moderate |
| Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Moderate \ Denial of Service | Moderate |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1*** | Moderate \ Denial of Service | Moderate |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Moderate \ Denial of Service | Moderate |
***Server Core installation not affected. The vulnerability addressed by this update does not affect supported editions of Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 as indicated, when installed using the Server Core installation option, even though files affected by this vulnerability may be present on the system. However, users with the affected files will still be offered this update because the update files are newer (with higher version numbers) than the files that are currently on your system. For more information on this installation option, see the TechNet articles, Managing a Server Core Installation and Servicing a Server Core Installation. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.
Windows Kernel Metadata Parsing DOS Vulnerability - CVE-2011-1971
A denial of service vulnerability exists in Windows due to the way the kernel parses file meta-data when browsing to a folder. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could cause the affected system to crash.
To view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2011-1971.
Mitigating Factors for Windows Kernel Metadata Parsing DOS Vulnerability - CVE-2011-1971
Mitigation refers to a setting, common configuration, or general best-practice, existing in a default state, that could reduce the severity of exploitation of a vulnerability. The following mitigating factors may be helpful in your situation:
- In a Web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a Web site that contains a Web page that is used to exploit this vulnerability. In addition, compromised Web sites and Web sites that accept or host user-provided content or advertisements could contain specially crafted content that could exploit this vulnerability. In a network-share-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a specially crafted file on a network share that is used to exploit this vulnerability. In all cases, however, an attacker would have no way to force users to visit a Web site or network share. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to do so, typically by convincing them to click a link in an e-mail message or Instant Messenger message.
Workarounds for Windows Kernel Metadata Parsing DOS Vulnerability - CVE-2011-1971
Workaround refers to a setting or configuration change that does not correct the underlying vulnerability but would help block known attack vectors before you apply the update. Microsoft has tested the following workarounds and states in the discussion whether a workaround reduces functionality:
Disable the WebClient service
Disabling the WebClient service helps protect affected systems from attempts to exploit this vulnerability by blocking the most likely remote attack vector through the Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV) client service. After applying this workaround it is still possible for remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability to cause the system to run programs located on the targeted user's computer or the Local Area Network (LAN), but users will be prompted for confirmation before opening arbitrary programs from the Internet.
To disable the WebClient Service, perform the following steps:
- Click Start, click Run, type Services.msc and then click OK.
- Right-click WebClient service and select Properties.
- Change the Startup type to Disabled. If the service is running, click Stop.
- Click OK and exit the management application.
Impact of workaround. When the WebClient service is disabled, Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV) requests are not transmitted. In addition, any services that explicitly depend on the Web Client service will not start, and an error message will be logged in the System log. For example, WebDAV shares will be inaccessible from the client computer.
How to undo the workaround.
To re-enable the WebClient Service, perform the following steps:
- Click Start, click Run, type Services.msc and then click OK.
- Right-click WebClient service and select Properties.
- Change the Startup type to Automatic. If the service is not running, click Start.
- Click OK and exit the management application.
Disable the Preview Pane and Details Pane in Windows Explorer
Disabling the Preview and Details panes in Windows Explorer prevents the automatic display of OTF fonts in Windows Explorer. While this prevents malicious files from being viewed in Windows Explorer, it does not prevent a local, authenticated user from running a specially crafted program to exploit this vulnerability. To disable these panes in Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2, perform the following steps:
- Open Windows Explorer, click Organize, and then click Layout.
- Clear both the Detailspane and Preview pane menu options.
- Click Organize, and then click Folder and search options.
- Click the View tab.
- Under Advanced settings, check the Always show icons, never thumbnails box.
- Close all open instances of Windows Explorer for the change to take effect.
Impact of workaround. Windows Explorer will not automatically display OTF fonts.
To re-enable the Preview and Details panes in Windows Explorer for Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2:
- Open Windows Explorer, click Organize, and then click Layout.
- Select both the Details pane and Preview pane menu options.
- Click Organize, and then click Folder and search options.
- Click the View tab.
- Under Advanced settings, clear the Always show icons, never thumbnails box.
- Close all open instances of Windows Explorer for the change to take effect.
Block TCP ports 139 and 445 at the firewall
These ports are used to initiate a connection with the affected component. Blocking TCP ports 139 and 445 at the firewall will help protect systems that are behind that firewall from attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Microsoft recommends that you block all unsolicited inbound communication from the Internet to help prevent attacks that may use other ports. For more information about ports, see the TechNet article, TCP and UDP Port Assignments.
Impact of workaround. Several Windows services use the affected ports. Blocking connectivity to the ports may cause various applications or services to not function. Some of the applications or services that could be impacted are listed below:
- Applications that use SMB (CIFS)
- Applications that use mailslots or named pipes (RPC over SMB)
- Server (File and Print Sharing)
- Group Policy
- Net Logon
- Distributed File System (DFS)
- Terminal Server Licensing
- Print Spooler
- Computer Browser
- Remote Procedure Call Locator
- Fax Service
- Indexing Service
- Performance Logs and Alerts
- Systems Management Server
- License Logging Service
How to undo the workaround. Unblock TCP ports 139 and 445 at the firewall. For more information about ports, see the TechNet article, TCP and UDP Port Assignments.
FAQ for Windows Kernel Metadata Parsing DOS Vulnerability - CVE-2011-1971
What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is a denial of service vulnerability. An attacker who exploited this vulnerability could cause the affected system to restart. Note that this vulnerability would not allow an attacker to execute code or to elevate user rights.
What causes the vulnerability?
The vulnerability is caused when the Windows kernel improperly parses metadata information in files.
What is the Windows kernel?
The Windows kernel is the core of the operating system. The kernel provides system-level services such as device management and memory management, allocates processor time to processes, and manages error handling.
What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could cause the affected system to restart.
How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
In a Web-based attack scenario, an attacker would have to host a Web site that points to a specially crafted file on a network share. Then, when the user navigates to the Web site, the affected control path is triggered via the Details and Preview panes in Windows Explorer. The specially crafted file could then exploit the vulnerability and cause the affected system to restart. An attacker would have no way to force users to visit a specially crafted Web site. Instead, an attacker would have to convince them to visit the Web site, typically by getting them to click a link that takes them to the attacker's site.
In a network-share based attack scenario, an attacker could host a specially crafted file on a network share. Then, when the user navigates to the share in Windows Explorer, the affected control path is triggered via the Details and Preview panes. The specially crafted file could then exploit the vulnerability and cause the affected system to restart.
What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
Workstations and terminal servers are primarily at risk. Servers could be at more risk if administrators allow users to log on to servers and to run programs. However, best practices strongly discourage allowing this.
What does the update do?
The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting the way that the Windows kernel parses metadata information in files.
When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
No. Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through coordinated vulnerability disclosure.
When this security bulletin was issued, had Microsoft received any reports that this vulnerability was being exploited?
No. Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers when this security bulletin was originally issued.
Update Information
Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance
Security Central
Manage the software and security updates you need to deploy to the servers, desktop, and mobile systems in your organization. For more information see the TechNet Update Management Center. The Microsoft TechNet Security Web site provides additional information about security in Microsoft products.
Security updates are available from Microsoft Update and Windows Update. Security updates are also available from the Microsoft Download Center. You can find them most easily by doing a keyword search for "security update."
Finally, security updates can be downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The Microsoft Update Catalog provides a searchable catalog of content made available through Windows Update and Microsoft Update, including security updates, drivers and service packs. By searching using the security bulletin number (such as, "MS07-036"), you can add all of the applicable updates to your basket (including different languages for an update), and download to the folder of your choosing. For more information about the Microsoft Update Catalog, see the Microsoft Update Catalog FAQ.
Detection and Deployment Guidance
Microsoft provides detection and deployment guidance for security updates. This guidance contains recommendations and information that can help IT professionals understand how to use various tools for detection and deployment of security updates. For more information, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 961747.
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) allows administrators to scan local and remote systems for missing security updates as well as common security misconfigurations. For more information about MBSA, visit Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer.
The following table provides the MBSA detection summary for this security update.
| Software | MBSA |
|---|---|
| Windows Vista Service Pack 2 | Yes |
| Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | Yes |
| Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 | Yes |
| Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 | Yes |
| Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2 | Yes |
| Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 | Yes |
| Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Yes |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Yes |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Yes |
Note For customers using legacy software not supported by the latest release of MBSA, Microsoft Update, and Windows Server Update Services, please visit Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer and reference the Legacy Product Support section on how to create comprehensive security update detection with legacy tools.
Windows Server Update Services
Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) enables information technology administrators to deploy the latest Microsoft product updates to computers that are running the Windows operating system. For more information about how to deploy security updates using Windows Server Update Services, see the TechNet article, Windows Server Update Services.
Systems Management Server
The following table provides the SMS detection and deployment summary for this security update.
| Software | SMS 2003 with ITMU | Configuration Manager 2007 |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Vista Service Pack 2 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Yes | Yes |
Note Microsoft discontinued support for SMS 2.0 on April 12, 2011. For SMS 2003, Microsoft also discontinued support for the Security Update Inventory Tool (SUIT) on April 12, 2011. Customers are encouraged to upgrade to System Center Configuration Manager 2007. For customers remaining on SMS 2003 Service Pack 3, the Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates (ITMU) is also an option.
For SMS 2003, the SMS 2003 Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates (ITMU) can be used by SMS to detect security updates that are offered by Microsoft Update and that are supported by Windows Server Update Services. For more information about the SMS 2003 ITMU, see SMS 2003 Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates. For more information about SMS scanning tools, see SMS 2003 Software Update Scanning Tools. See also Downloads for Systems Management Server 2003.
System Center Configuration Manager 2007 uses WSUS 3.0 for detection of updates. For more information about Configuration Manager 2007 Software Update Management, visit System Center Configuration Manager 2007.
For more information about SMS, visit the SMS Web site.
For more detailed information, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 910723: Summary list of monthly detection and deployment guidance articles.
Update Compatibility Evaluator and Application Compatibility Toolkit
Updates often write to the same files and registry settings required for your applications to run. This can trigger incompatibilities and increase the time it takes to deploy security updates. You can streamline testing and validating Windows updates against installed applications with the Update Compatibility Evaluator components included with Application Compatibility Toolkit.
The Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) contains the necessary tools and documentation to evaluate and mitigate application compatibility issues before deploying Microsoft Windows Vista, a Windows Update, a Microsoft Security Update, or a new version of Windows Internet Explorer in your environment.
Security Update Deployment
Affected Software
For information about the specific security update for your affected software, click the appropriate link:
Windows Vista (all editions)
Reference Table
The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, Deployment Information, in this section.
| Inclusion in Future Service Packs | The update for this issue will be included in a future service pack or update rollup |
|---|---|
| Deployment | |
| Installing without user intervention | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Vista:\ Windows6.0-KB2556532-x86.msu /quiet |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Vista:\ Windows6.0-KB2556532-x64.msu /quiet | |
| Installing without restarting | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Vista:\ Windows6.0-KB2556532-x86.msu /quiet /norestart |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Vista:\ Windows6.0-KB2556532-x64.msu /quiet /norestart | |
| Further information | See the subsection, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance |
| Restart Requirement | |
| Restart required? | Yes, you must restart your system after you apply this security update. |
| HotPatching | Not applicable. |
| Removal Information | WUSA.exe does not support uninstall of updates. To uninstall an update installed by WUSA, click Control Panel, and then click Security. Under Windows Update, click View installed updates and select from the list of updates. |
| File Information | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2556532 |
| Registry Key Verification | Note A registry key does not exist to validate the presence of this update. |
Deployment Information
Installing the Update
When you install this security update, the installer checks whether one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix.
For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as hotfix, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684.
This security update supports the following setup switches.
Supported Security Update Installation Switches
| Switch | Description |
|---|---|
| /?, /h, /help | Displays help on supported switches. |
| /quiet | Suppresses the display of status or error messages. |
| /norestart | When combined with /quiet, the system will not be restarted after installation even if a restart is required to complete installation. |
Note For more information about the wusa.exe installer, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 934307.
Verifying That the Update Has Been Applied
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.
File Version Verification
Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.
- Click Start and then enter an update file name in the Start Search box.
- When the file appears under Programs, right-click the file name and click Properties.
- On the General tab, compare the file size with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
Note Depending on the edition of the operating system, or the programs that are installed on your system, some of the files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed. - You can also click the Details tab and compare information, such as file version and date modified, with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
Note Attributes other than the file version may change during installation. Comparing other file attributes to the information in the file information table is not a supported method of verifying that the update has been applied. Also, in certain cases, files may be renamed during installation. If the file or version information is not present, use one of the other available methods to verify update installation. - Finally, you can also click the Previous Versions tab and compare file information for the previous version of the file with the file information for the new, or updated, version of the file.
Windows Server 2008 (all editions)
Reference Table
The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, Deployment Information, in this section.
| Inclusion in Future Service Packs | The update for this issue will be included in a future service pack or update rollup |
|---|---|
| Deployment | |
| Installing without user intervention | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Server 2008:\ Windows6.0-KB2556532-x86.msu /quiet |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2008:\ Windows6.0-KB2556532-x64.msu /quiet | |
| For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2008:\ Windows6.0-KB2556532-ia64.msu /quiet | |
| Installing without restarting | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Server 2008:\ Windows6.0-KB2556532-x86.msu /quiet /norestart |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2008:\ Windows6.0-KB2556532-x64.msu /quiet /norestart | |
| For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2008:\ Windows6.0-KB2556532-ia64.msu /quiet /norestart | |
| Further information | See the subsection, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance |
| Restart Requirement | |
| Restart required? | Yes, you must restart your system after you apply this security update. |
| HotPatching | Not applicable. |
| Removal Information | WUSA.exe does not support uninstall of updates. To uninstall an update installed by WUSA, click Control Panel, and then click Security. Under Windows Update, click View installed updates and select from the list of updates. |
| File Information | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2556532 |
| Registry Key Verification | Note A registry key does not exist to validate the presence of this update. |
Deployment Information
Installing the Update
When you install this security update, the installer checks whether one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix.
For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as hotfix, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684.
This security update supports the following setup switches.
Supported Security Update Installation Switches
| Switch | Description |
|---|---|
| /?, /h, /help | Displays help on supported switches. |
| /quiet | Suppresses the display of status or error messages. |
| /norestart | When combined with /quiet, the system will not be restarted after installation even if a restart is required to complete installation. |
Note For more information about the wusa.exe installer, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 934307.
Verifying That the Update Has Been Applied
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.
File Version Verification
Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.
- Click Start and then enter an update file name in the Start Search box.
- When the file appears under Programs, right-click the file name and click Properties.
- On the General tab, compare the file size with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
Note Depending on the edition of the operating system, or the programs that are installed on your system, some of the files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed. - You can also click the Details tab and compare information, such as file version and date modified, with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
Note Attributes other than the file version may change during installation. Comparing other file attributes to the information in the file information table is not a supported method of verifying that the update has been applied. Also, in certain cases, files may be renamed during installation. If the file or version information is not present, use one of the other available methods to verify update installation. - Finally, you can also click the Previous Versions tab and compare file information for the previous version of the file with the file information for the new, or updated, version of the file.
Windows 7 (all editions)
Reference Table
The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, Deployment Information, in this section.
| Inclusion in Future Service Packs | The update for this issue will be included in a future service pack or update rollup |
|---|---|
| Deployment | |
| Installing without user intervention | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows 7:\ Windows6.1-KB2556532-x86.msu /quiet |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows 7:\ Windows6.1-KB2556532-x64.msu /quiet | |
| Installing without restarting | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows 7:\ Windows6.1-KB2556532-x86.msu /quiet /norestart |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows 7:\ Windows6.1-KB2556532-x64.msu /quiet /norestart | |
| Further information | See the subsection, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance |
| Restart Requirement | |
| Restart required? | Yes, you must restart your system after you apply this security update. |
| HotPatching | Not applicable. |
| Removal Information | To uninstall an update installed by WUSA, use the /Uninstall setup switch or click Control Panel, click System and Security, and then under Windows Update, click View installed updates and select from the list of updates. |
| File Information | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2556532 |
| Registry Key Verification | Note A registry key does not exist to validate the presence of this update. |
Deployment Information
Installing the Update
When you install this security update, the installer checks whether one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix.
For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as hotfix, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684.
This security update supports the following setup switches.
Supported Security Update Installation Switches
| Switch | Description |
|---|---|
| /?, /h, /help | Displays help on supported switches. |
| /quiet | Suppresses the display of status or error messages. |
| /norestart | When combined with /quiet, the system will not be restarted after installation even if a restart is required to complete installation. |
| /warnrestart:<seconds> | When combined with /quiet, the installer will warn the user before initiating restart. |
| /promptrestart | When combined with /quiet, the installer will prompt before initiating restart. |
| /forcerestart | When combined with /quiet, the installer will forcefully close applications and initiate restart. |
| /log:<file name> | Enables logging to specified file. |
| /extract:<destination> | Extracts the package contents to the destination folder. |
| /uninstall /kb:<KB Number> | Uninstalls the security update. |
Note For more information about the wusa.exe installer, see "Windows Update Stand-alone Installer" in the TechNet article, Miscellaneous Changes in Windows 7.
Verifying That the Update Has Been Applied
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.
File Version Verification
Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.
- Click Start and then enter an update file name in the Search box.
- When the file appears under Programs, right-click the file name and click Properties.
- On the General tab, compare the file size with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
Note Depending on the edition of the operating system, or the programs that are installed on your system, some of the files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed. - You can also click the Details tab and compare information, such as file version and date modified, with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
Note Attributes other than the file version may change during installation. Comparing other file attributes to the information in the file information table is not a supported method of verifying that the update has been applied. Also, in certain cases, files may be renamed during installation. If the file or version information is not present, use one of the other available methods to verify update installation. - Finally, you can also click the Previous Versions tab and compare file information for the previous version of the file with the file information for the new, or updated, version of the file.
Windows Server 2008 R2 (all editions)
Reference Table
The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, Deployment Information, in this section.
| Inclusion in Future Service Packs | The update for this issue will be included in a future service pack or update rollup |
|---|---|
| Deployment | |
| Installing without user intervention | For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2008 R2:\ Windows6.1-KB2556532-x64.msu /quiet |
| For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2008 R2:\ Windows6.1-KB2556532-ia64.msu /quiet | |
| Installing without restarting | For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2008 R2:\ Windows6.1-KB2556532-x64.msu /quiet /norestart |
| For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2008 R2:\ Windows6.1-KB2556532-ia64.msu /quiet /norestart | |
| Further information | See the subsection, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance |
| Restart Requirement | |
| Restart required? | Yes, you must restart your system after you apply this security update. |
| HotPatching | Not applicable. |
| Removal Information | To uninstall an update installed by WUSA, use the /Uninstall setup switch or click Control Panel, click System and Security, and then under Windows Update, click View installed updates and select from the list of updates. |
| File Information | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2556532 |
| Registry Key Verification | Note A registry key does not exist to validate the presence of this update. |
Deployment Information
Installing the Update
When you install this security update, the installer checks whether one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix.
For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as hotfix, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684.
This security update supports the following setup switches.
Supported Security Update Installation Switches
| Switch | Description |
|---|---|
| /?, /h, /help | Displays help on supported switches. |
| /quiet | Suppresses the display of status or error messages. |
| /norestart | When combined with /quiet, the system will not be restarted after installation even if a restart is required to complete installation. |
| /warnrestart:<seconds> | When combined with /quiet, the installer will warn the user before initiating restart. |
| /promptrestart | When combined with /quiet, the installer will prompt before initiating restart. |
| /forcerestart | When combined with /quiet, the installer will forcefully close applications and initiate restart. |
| /log:<file name> | Enables logging to specified file. |
| /extract:<destination> | Extracts the package contents to the destination folder. |
| /uninstall /kb:<KB Number> | Uninstalls the security update. |
Note For more information about the wusa.exe installer, see "Windows Update Stand-alone Installer" in the TechNet article, Miscellaneous Changes in Windows 7.
Verifying That the Update Has Been Applied
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.
File Version Verification
Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.
- Click Start and then enter an update file name in the Start Search box.
- When the file appears under Programs, right-click the file name and click Properties.
- On the General tab, compare the file size with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
Note Depending on the edition of the operating system, or the programs that are installed on your system, some of the files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed. - You can also click the Details tab and compare information, such as file version and date modified, with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
Note Attributes other than the file version may change during installation. Comparing other file attributes to the information in the file information table is not a supported method of verifying that the update has been applied. Also, in certain cases, files may be renamed during installation. If the file or version information is not present, use one of the other available methods to verify update installation. - Finally, you can also click the Previous Versions tab and compare file information for the previous version of the file with the file information for the new, or updated, version of the file.
Other Information
Acknowledgments
Microsoft thanks the following for working with us to help protect customers:
- Zheng Wenbin of Qihoo 360 Security Center for reporting the Windows Kernel Metadata Parsing DOS Vulnerability (CVE-2011-1971)
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 (August 9, 2011): Bulletin published.
- V1.1 (August 10, 2011): Revised the Server Core installation not affected notation for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 to clarify that the update will still be offered to systems installed using the Server Core installation option.
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