December 01, 2008 - Current Activity

Apple Releases iPhone OS 2.2 and iPhone OS for iPod touch 2.2

Apple has released OS 2.2 for the iPhone and iPod touch to address multiple vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities affect CoreGraphics, ImageIO, Networking, Office Viewer, Password Lock, Safari, and Webkit. Exploitation of these vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, place arbitrary calls, cause a denial-of-service condition, spoof user interface,  and obtain sensitive information.

US-CERT encourages users to review Apple Article HT3318 and apply any necessary updates.

Symantec Releases Security Advisory for Backup Exec

Symantec has released a security advisory to address multiple vulnerabilities for Symantec Backup Exec. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to gain access to or modify information, cause a denial of service, or potentially execute arbitrary code.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review Symantec Security Advisory SYM08-021 and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risks.

Malicious Code Spreading Through USB Flash Drive Devices

US-CERT is aware of public reports of an increase in malicious code propagating via USB flash drive devices. Currently, there are two popular methods by which USB flash drives are being infected with malicious code. Please note that these are not the only two methods available.

The first of these methods is referred to as simple file copy. This means that the malicious code initially resides on an infected computer and copies itself to all the storage devices connected to the affected computer. This method requires the user to access the USB flash drive and execute the malicious code.

The second method is referred to as AutoRun.inf modification. This means that the malicious code alters or creates an autorun.inf file on targeted storage devices connected to the affected computer. When an infected USB flash drive is connected to another computer, the malicious code can be automatically executed with no additional user interaction.

US-CERT encourages users to do the following to help mitigate the risks:

• Install antivirus software and keep the virus signatures up to date.
• Do not connect an unknown or untrusted USB drive to your computer.
• Disable AutoRun or AutoPlay features for removable media.
• Review the Using Caution with USB Drives Cyber Security Tip for more information on protecting your USB flash drive.
• Review The Dangers of Windows AutoRun Vulnerability Analysis Blog entry for more information regarding AutoRun.

Adobe Releases Update for AIR

Adobe has released a security bulletin to address a vulnerability in Adobe AIR. This vulnerability can be triggered if an Adobe AIR application loads data from an untrusted source. Exploitation of this vulnerability may allow a remote attacker to execute JavaScript code with elevated privileges.

US-CERT encourages users to review Adobe Security Bulletin APSB08-23 and upgrade to Adobe AIR 1.5 to help mitigate the risks.

Apple Releases Security Updates for Safari

Apple has released Safari 3.2 to address multiple vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, cause a denial-of-service condition, or obtain sensitive information.

US-CERT encourages users to review Apple Article HT3298 and apply any necessary updates.

U.S. Federal Reserve Fraudulent Email Scam

US-CERT is aware of public reports of a fraudulent email scam circulating via messages that falsely appear to be from the U.S. Federal Reserve. These email messages contain information about a phishing scam and links for users to follow to obtain additional information about the scam. If a user follows the links, they will be redirected to a malicious website where a PDF exploit is used to install malicious code on the affected system.

US-CERT encourages users to do the following to help mitigate the risks:

• Do not follow unsolicited links.
• Use caution when visiting untrusted websites.
• Install antivirus software and keep the virus signatures up to date.
  
• Refer to the Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams (pdf) document for more information on avoiding email scams.
• Refer to the Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks document for more information on social engineering attacks.

Mozilla Releases Updates to Address Vulnerabilities in Multiple Products

Mozilla has released Firefox 2.0.0.18, Firefox 3.0.4, and SeaMonkey 1.1.13 to address multiple vulnerabilities. The impacts of these vulnerabilities include arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, security bypass, cross-site scripting, denial of service, and information disclosure. As described in the Mozilla Foundation security advisories, some of these vulnerabilities may also affect Thunderbird.

US-CERT encourages users to review the Mozilla Foundation security advisories and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risks.

Apple Releases iLife Support 8.3.1

Apple has released iLife Support 8.3.1 to address multiple vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service condition.

US-CERT encourages users to review Apple Article HT3276 and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risks.

Microsoft Releases November Security Bulletin

Microsoft has released updates to address vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows as part of the Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for November 2008. These vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review the bulletins and follow best-practice security policies to determine which updates should be applied.

VMware Releases Security Advisory VMSA-2008-0018 and Updates VMSA-2008-0016.1

VMware has released Security Advisory VMSA-2008-0018 and has updated Security Advisory VMSA-2008-0016.1 to address multiple vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to conduct directory traversal attacks, operate with escalated privileges, or obtain sensitive information.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review VMware Security Advisories VMSA-2008-0018 and VMSA-2008-0016.1 and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risks.