This security update resolves a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if Windows OLE fails to properly validate user input. An attacker could exploit the vulnerability to execute malicious code. However, an attacker must first convince a user to open either a specially crafted file or a program from either a webpage or an email message.
This security update is rated Important for all supported editions of Microsoft Windows, except for Windows 10. For more information, see the Affected Software section.
The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Windows OLE validates user input. For more information about the vulnerability, see the Vulnerability Information section.
Affected Software and Vulnerability Severity Ratings
The following software versions or editions are affected. Versions or editions that are not listed 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.
The severity ratings indicated for each affected software 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 April bulletin summary.
*The Updates Replaced column shows only the latest update in any chain of superseded updates. For a comprehensive list of updates replaced, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog, search for the update KB number, and then view update details (updates replaced information is provided on the Package Details tab).
Vulnerability Information
Windows OLE Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2016-0153
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when Microsoft Windows OLE fails to properly validate user input. An attacker could exploit the vulnerability to execute malicious code.
To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker would have to convince a user to open either a specially crafted file or a program from either a webpage or an email message. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Windows OLE validates user input.
The following table contains links to the standard entry for each vulnerability in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list:
Microsoft has not identified any mitigating factors for the vulnerability.
Workarounds
Microsoft has not identified any workarounds for this vulnerability.
Security Update Deployment
For Security Update Deployment information, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base article referenced in the Executive Summary.
Acknowledgments
Microsoft recognizes the efforts of those in the security community who help us protect customers through coordinated vulnerability disclosure. See Acknowledgments for more information.
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.
As an Information Security Administrator, you plan and implement information security of sensitive data by using Microsoft Purview and related services. You’re responsible for mitigating risks by protecting data inside collaboration environments that are managed by Microsoft 365 from internal and external threats and protecting data used by AI services. You also implement information protection, data loss prevention, retention, insider risk management, and manage information security alerts and activities.