Update for Microsoft Internet Explorer HTML Elements Vulnerability

Systems Affected

Microsoft Windows systems running

• Internet Explorer versions 6 and later (see MS04-040 for affected software and components)
• Other programs that host the WebBrowser ActiveX control

Overview

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-040 contains an update to fix a buffer overflow vulnerability in Internet Explorer.

I. Description

TA04-315A describes a buffer overflow vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer HTML elements that could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code. Note that any program that hosts the WebBrowser ActiveX control could be affected. Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-040 contains an update to fix this vulnerability.

The vulnerability is described in further detail in VU#842160.

II. Impact

By convincing a user to view a specially crafted HTML document (e.g., a web page or an HTML email message), an attacker could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user. The attacker could also cause IE to crash.

Reports indicate that this vulnerability is being exploited by malicious code referred to as MyDoom.{AG,AH,AI} or Bofra.

III. Solution

Install an update

Internet Explorer 6 on Windows XP SP2 is not vulnerable. Please see MS04-040 for information about affected software and components.

Appendix A. References

• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-040 - <http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms04-040.mspx>
• MS04-040: Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (IE 6.0 SP1) - <http://support.microsoft.com/kb/889293>
• An update rollup is available for Internet Explorer 6 SP1 - <http://support.microsoft.com/kb/889669>
• US-CERT Technical Cyber Security Alert TA04-315A - <http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA04-315A.html>
• Vulnerability Note VU#842160 - <http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/842160>
• About the Browser (Internet Explorer - WebBrowser) - <http://msdn.microsoft.com/workshop/browser/overview/Overview.asp>

Feedback can be directed to the authors: Will Dormann and Art Manion.

Copyright 2004 Carnegie Mellon University. Terms of use

Revision History

December 1, 2004: Initial release
December 3, 2004: Added information about IE 6 on Windows XP SP2