Critical Patches Issued for Microsoft Products, May 8, 2018
MS-ISAC ADVISORY NUMBER:
2018-053
DATE(S) ISSUED:
05/08/2018
OVERVIEW:
Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Microsoft products, the most severe of which could allow for code execution. Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could result in an attacker gaining the same privileges as the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights.
THREAT INTELLIGENCE:
There are reports of a remote code execution vulnerability (CVE-2018-8174) being actively exploited in the wild as part of a cyber-espionage campaign.
SYSTEMS AFFECTED:
- Microsoft Windows 7, 8, RT 8.1, and 10
- Microsoft Windows Server 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2, 2016
- Microsoft Windows Server Core Installation 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, versions 1709, 1803
- Microsoft Office 2010, 2013, 2013 RT, 2016, 2016 Click-to-Run, 2016 for Mac
- Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack
- Microsoft Office Web Apps 2010
- Microsoft Office Web Apps Server 2010, 2013
- Microsoft Word 2013, 2013 RT, 2016
- Microsoft Excel 2010, 2013, 2013 RT, 2016
- Word Automation Services
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 9, 10, 11
- Microsoft Edge
- Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0, 3.0, 3.5, 3.5.1, 4.5.2, 4.6, 4.6.1, 4.6.2, 4.7, 4.7.1, 4.7.2
- .NET Core 2.0
- Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, 2013, 2016
- Microsoft Project Server 2010, 2013
- Microsoft Infopath 2013
- Microsoft SharePoint Foundation 2013
- Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010
- Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server 2013, 2016
- ChakraCore
- C SDK for Azure IoT
- C# SDK for Azure IoT
- Java SDK for Azure IoT
- Windows Host Compute Service Shim
RISK:
Government:
- Large and medium government entities: HIGH
- Small government entities: MEDIUM
Businesses:
- Large and medium business entities: HIGH
- Small business entities: MEDIUM
Home Users:
LOW
TECHNICAL SUMMARY:
Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Microsoft products, the most severe of which could allow for code execution.
A full list of all vulnerabilities can be found at the link below:
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-us/security-guidance/summary
Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could result in an attacker gaining the same privileges as the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights.
RECOMENDATIONS:
We recommend the following actions be taken:
- Apply appropriate patches or appropriate mitigations provided by Microsoft to vulnerable systems immediately after appropriate testing
- Run all software as a non-privileged user (one without administrative rights) to diminish the effects of a successful attack.
- Remind all users not to visit untrusted websites or follow links provided by unknown or untrusted sources.
- Inform and educate users regarding threats posed by hypertext links contained in emails or attachments especially from untrusted sources
- Apply the Principle of Least Privilege to all systems and services.