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Vulnerability: MS08-049. Vulnerabilities in Event System Could Allow Remote Code Execution (950974)

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 Details
Vulnerability name/brief descriptionMS08-049. Vulnerabilities in Event System Could Allow Remote Code Execution (950974)
CVE/CAN nameCVE-2008-1456, CVE-2008-1457
Vendor threat levelImportant
SophosLabs threat levelLow
SolutionUsers are advised to apply the vendor patch MS08-049.
Vendor description

This update resolves two privately reported vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows Event System that could allow remote code execution. An attacker who successfully exploited these vulnerabilities could take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full administrative rights.

SophosLabs commentsThe attacker needs to be authenticated in order to execute exploit to elevate the privilege level and install additional software in order to take control over the system. Built-in accounts, such as the Guest account are not authenticated so a potential attack would not be successful. We estimate that it is unlikely that this vulnerability would be used in malware, though it may be exploited in a targeted attack by human attackers. We recommend that you apply the vendor's patch as soon as you can.
SophosLabs testing resultN/A
Currently known exploitsThis issue was privately reported to Microsoft. At
the time of writing SophosLabs has seen no samples of malware attempting to
exploit this vulnerability. Should this situation change samples will be
analysed and we will take action as necessary.
First sample seenN/A
Discovery date12 August 2008
Affected software

Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows Server 2003
Windows Vista
Windows Server 2008

References

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-049.mspx
http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2008-1456
http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2008-1457
http://blogs.technet.com/swi/

CreditsN/A
Revisions15 August 2008 - analysis written

Explanation of terms

Vulnerability Name/Brief Description:
Vendor identifier plus a brief description of the type of attack.

CVE/CAN Name:
Currently assigned CVE name. If a CVE name doesn't exist the CAN name will be used until a CVE has been assigned.

Vendor Threat Level:

Threat level assigned by the vendor

SophosLabs Threat Level:
Threat level assigned by SophosLabs

Solution:
Vendor-supplied Patch identifier and recommended solution, or workaround if applicable.

Vendor Description:
Summary of the cause and potential effect of the vulnerability provided by the vendor.

SophosLabs Comments:
SophosLabs' opinions and observations of the vulnerability in question.

SophosLabs Testing Result:
Details of completed lab testing, if applicable. Please note that the lab test environment may differ significantly from user environments.

Currently Known Exploits:
List of identities for known exploits, if applicable.

First Sample Seen:
Date of the first sample seen by SophosLabs.

Discovery Date:
Date of the earliest known publically disclosed advisory.

Affected Software:
Vulnerable platforms and software versions.

If you need more information or guidance, then please contact technical support.