Microsoft Security Bulletin MS15-084 - Important

Vulnerabilities in XML Core Services Could Allow Information Disclosure (3080129)

Published: August 11, 2015

Version: 1.0

Executive Summary

This security update resolves vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office. The vulnerabilities could allow information disclosure by either exposing memory addresses if a user clicks a specially crafted link or by explicitly allowing the use of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 2.0. However, in all cases an attacker would have no way to force users to click a specially crafted link. An attacker would have to convince users to click the link, typically by way of an enticement in an email or Instant Messenger message.

This security update is rated Important for the following software:

  • Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on all supported releases of Microsoft Windows except Windows 10, which is not affected.
  • Microsoft XML Core Services 5.0 on Microsoft Office 2007 Service Pack 3
  • Microsoft XML Core Services 5.0 on Microsoft InfoPath 2007 Service Pack 3

For more information, see the Affected Software section.

The security update addresses the vulnerabilities by modifying how Microsoft XML Core Services returns data requested by the API, and by configuring MSXML to use more secure network protocols by default. For more information about the vulnerabilities, see the Vulnerability Information section.

For more information about this update, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 3080129.

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.

Microsoft Windows

Operating System Component Maximum Security Impact Aggregate Severity Rating Updates Replaced
Windows Vista
Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 3046482 in MS15-039 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 3046482 in MS15-039 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows Server 2008
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 3046482 in MS15-039 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 3046482 in MS15-039 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2 (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 3046482 in MS15-039 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows 7
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 3046482 in MS15-039 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 3046482 in MS15-039 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 3046482 in MS15-039 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 3046482 in MS15-039 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows 8 and Windows 8.1
Windows 8 for 32-bit Systems (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows 8 for x64-based Systems (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows 8.1 for 32-bit Systems (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2
Windows Server 2012 (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows Server 2012 R2 (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows RT and Windows RT 8.1
Windows RT[1](3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows RT 8.1[1](3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 2939576 in MS14-033
Server Core installation option
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 3046482 in MS15-039 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 3046482 in MS15-039 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation) (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 3046482 in MS15-039 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation) (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 2939576 in MS14-033
Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation) (3076895) Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 and Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 Information Disclosure Important 2939576 in MS14-033

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

*The Updates Replaced column shows only the latest update in a 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 on the Package Details tab).

Note Windows Server Technical Preview 2 is affected. Customers running this operating system are encouraged to apply the update, which is available via Windows Update.

Microsoft Office

Office Software Component Maximum Security Impact Aggregate Severity Rating Updates Replaced
Microsoft Office Suites and Components
Microsoft Office 2007 Service Pack 3 (2825645) Microsoft XML Core Services 5.0 Information Disclosure Important 2687499 in MS13-002
Other Microsoft Office Software
Microsoft InfoPath 2007 Service Pack 3 (2825645) Microsoft XML Core Services 5.0 Information Disclosure Important 2687499 in MS13-002

*The Updates Replaced column shows only the latest update in a 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 on the Package Details tab).

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.

Vulnerability Severity Rating and Maximum Security Impact by Affected Software
Affected Software MSXML Information Disclosure Vulnerability - CVE-2015-2434 MSXML Information Disclosure Vulnerability - CVE-2015-2440 MSXML Information Disclosure Vulnerability - CVE-2015-2471 Aggregate Severity Rating
Windows Vista
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Windows Server 2008
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2 (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2 (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Windows 7
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Windows Server 2008 R2
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Windows 8 and Windows 8.1
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows 8 for 32-bit Systems (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows 8 for 32-bit Systems (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows 8 for x64-based Systems (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows 8 for x64-based Systems (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows 8.1 for 32-bit Systems (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows 8.1 for 32-bit Systems (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows Server 2012 (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows Server 2012 (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows Server 2012 R2 (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows Server 2012 R2 (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Windows RT and Windows RT 8.1
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows RT (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows RT (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows RT 8.1 (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows RT 8.1 (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Server Core installation option
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation) (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation) (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation) (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation) (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0 on Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation) (3076895) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0 on Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation) (3076895) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Microsoft Office 2007
Microsoft XML Core Services 5.0 on Microsoft Office 2007 Service Pack 2 (2825645) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important
Microsoft XML Core Services 5.0 on Microsoft Office 2007 Service Pack 3 (2825645) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important
Microsoft InfoPath 2007
Microsoft XML Core Services 5.0 on Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (2825645) Not applicable Important  Information Disclosure Not applicable Important

Update FAQ

What version of Microsoft XML Core Services is installed on my system?
Some versions of Microsoft XML Core Services are included with Microsoft Windows; others are installed with non-operating system software from Microsoft or third-party providers. Some are also available as separate downloads. The following table shows which versions of Microsoft XML Core Services are included with Microsoft Windows and which are installed with the installation of additional Microsoft or third-party software.

Operating System MSXML 3.0 and MSXML 6.0 MSXML 5.0
Windows Vista Shipped with operating system Installed with additional software
Windows Server 2008 Shipped with operating system Installed with additional software
Windows 7 Shipped with operating system Installed with additional software
Windows Server 2008 R2 Shipped with operating system Installed with additional software
Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 Shipped with operating system Installed with additional software
Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 Shipped with operating system Installed with additional software

Vulnerability Information

Multiple MSXML Information Disclosure Vulnerabilities

Information disclosure vulnerabilities exist when Microsoft XML Core Services (MSXML) explicitly allows the use of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 2.0. An attacker who successfully exploited these vulnerabilities could decrypt portions of encrypted network information traffic.

In a man-in-the-middle (MiTM) attack scenario, an attacker could force an encrypted SSL 2.0 session and then decrypt portions of encrypted network information traffic. This update resolves the issue by configuring MSXML to use more secure network protocols by default instead of SSL 2.0.

The following table contains links to the standard entry for each vulnerability in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list:

Vulnerability title CVE number Publicly disclosed Exploited
MSXML Information Disclosure Vulnerability CVE-2015-2434 No No
MSXML Information Disclosure Vulnerability CVE-2015-2471 No No

Mitigating Factors

Microsoft has not identified any mitigating factors for this vulnerability.

Workarounds

Microsoft has not identified any workarounds for this vulnerability.

MSXML Information Disclosure Vulnerability - CVE-2015-2440

An information disclosure vulnerability exists when Microsoft XML Core Services (MSXML) exposes memory addresses not intended for public disclosure. An attacker could combine this information disclosure vulnerability to bypass Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR). An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could potentially read private data. The vulnerability would not allow an attacker to execute code or to elevate user rights directly, but the attacker could use it to obtain information in an attempt to further compromise the affected system.

To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker could host a specially-crafted website that is designed to invoke MSXML through Internet Explorer. However, an attacker would have no way to force a user to visit such a website. Instead, an attacker would typically have to convince a user to either click a link in an email message or a link in an Instant Messenger request that would then take the user to the website. The update addresses the vulnerability by modifying how Microsoft XML Core Services returns data requests.

Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through coordinated vulnerability disclosure. When this security bulletin was 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 (08 11, 2015): Bulletin published.

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