16 July 2009 Microsoft Security Updates

Six security bulletins were released by Microsoft for July, which covers one of the two vulnerabilities exploited by cybercriminals in the last 2 weeks.

The Vulnerability in Microsoft Video ActiveX Control Could Allow Remote Code Execution was used in a zero-day attack last week that involved around 967 compromised Chinese websites. A script that triggered the exploit was inserted in the said websites, which when successfully executed drops WORM_KILLAV.AI into the affected system. The security advisory MS09-032 already addresses the vulnerability used in this attack.

Here is the full list of security advisories issued for this month:

• (MS09-028) Vulnerabilities in Microsoft DirectShow Could Allow Remote Code Execution (971633)
• (MS09-029) Vulnerabilities in the Embedded OpenType Font Engine Could Allow Remote Code Execution (961371)
• (MS09-030) Vulnerability in Microsoft Office Publisher Could Allow Remote Code Execution (969516)
• (MS09-031) Vulnerabilities in Microsoft ISA Server 2006 Could Cause Elevation of Privilege (970953)
• (MS09-032) Cumulative Security Update of ActiveX Kill Bits (973346)
• (MS09-033) Vulnerability in Virtual PC and Virtual Server Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (969856)

The Office Web Components ActiveX vulnerability is the other vulnerability used in a malware attack this month. Similar to the zero-day attack, a script that triggers the exploit was inserted in compromised websites. This placed any visitor of the compromised websites who hasn’t updated their system at risk of being affected by TROJ_DLOADR.DOF, which drops a rootkit component detected as TROJ_ROOTKIT.DOF, and downloads TROJ_DLOADR.UIG and TROJ_INJECT.AKI. A patch for the said vulnerability hasn’t been issued, but Microsoft provided a workaround, to protect users while an update is being developed.

Meanwhile, users are advised to update their systems as soon as possible.

by JM Hipolito from tendmicro

Related posts:

1. Microsoft security updates for April 2009
2. Apply the Critical Security Updates for Internet Explorer Vulnerabilities (MS10-002 – Critical)
3. September Patch Tuesday Fixes 5 Vulnerabilities, Leaves One Open
4. Microsoft IIS web server under attack from hackers
5. Microsoft user? Adobe user? Update your systems now