Microsoft Security Bulletin MS15-024 - Important

Vulnerability in PNG Processing Could Allow Information Disclosure (3035132)

Published: March 10, 2015

Version: 1.0

Executive Summary

This security update resolves a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability could allow information disclosure if an attacker convinces a user to visit a website that contains specially crafted PNG images.

This security update is rated Important for all supported releases of Microsoft Windows. For more information, see the Affected Software section.

The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Windows processes PNG image format files. For more information about the vulnerability, see the Vulnerability Information section.

For more information about this update, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 3035132.

Affected Software

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.

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

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 March bulletin summary.

Vulnerability Information

Malformed PNG Parsing Information Disclosure Vulnerability - CVE-2015-0080

An information disclosure vulnerability exists when Windows fails to properly handle uninitialized memory when parsing certain, specially crafted PNG image format files. The vulnerability could allow information disclosure if an attacker convinces a user to visit a website that contains specially crafted PNG images.

To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker could host a specially crafted website (or leverage a compromised website or one that accepts or hosts user-provided content or advertisements) and then convince a user to visit the website. In all cases, however, an attacker would have no way to force users to visit a website. A user would have to be convinced to do so, typically by way of a link in an e-mail or Instant Messenger message that directs the user to the attacker's website. It could also be possible to display specially crafted web content through banner advertisements or other methods capable of delivering web content to affected systems.

An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability would be able to read data which was not intended to be disclosed. Note that this vulnerability would not allow an attacker to execute code or to elevate their user rights directly, but it could be used to obtain information that could be used to try to further compromise the affected system. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Windows processes PNG image format files.

Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through coordinated vulnerability disclosure. When this security bulletin was originally issued Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers.

Mitigating Factors

Microsoft has not identified any mitigating factors for this 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.

Revisions

• V1.0 (March 10, 2015): Bulletin published.

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