External risk intelligence

Microsoft XML Core Services Memory Corruption Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2012-1889

Microsoft XML Core Services may allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service by corrupting memory. This vulnerability, triggered by visiting a crafted website, poses a risk of unauthorized code execution and system instability for affected organizations.

3Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Microsoft Xml Core Services

3.04.06.05.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2012-1889

The vulnerability affects client-side XML processing components within Microsoft Office, Windows, and related applications. While it is triggered by a crafted website, it requires a user to navigate to that site via an affected application, meaning the attack surface is not a public-facing server, service, or gateway but rather a client-side execution vector.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Microsoft XML Core Services contains a flaw where it accesses uninitialized memory. This can allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by corrupting memory. The impact can affect organizations through unauthorized code execution and service disruptions.

  • Microsoft XML Core Services
  • Uninitialized memory access
  • Code execution or denial of service

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

Microsoft XML Core Services can be exploited through a crafted website, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. This vulnerability arises from the improper handling of uninitialized memory locations within the service. An attacker could leverage this by directing a user to a malicious website. The impact could include memory corruption leading to system instability or unauthorized code execution.

  • Exposure: Malicious website.
  • Attacker access: Remote, no authentication.
  • Trigger: User visits crafted website.
  • Result: Code execution or memory corruption.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability impacts Microsoft XML Core Services, potentially allowing attackers to execute code or cause system instability. Attackers could exploit this by directing users to malicious websites, leading to compromised systems and data loss. The severity suggests a high level of business risk if not addressed.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: User visits malicious website
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in Microsoft XML Core Services could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service by corrupting memory. An attacker could exploit this by directing users to a malicious website. This poses a significant risk to affected organizations by potentially compromising systems and data.

  • Find affected assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Microsoft XML Core Services (MSXML)?

Microsoft XML Core Services, often called MSXML, is a component used by various Microsoft applications to process and work with XML data. Many programs, including parts of Microsoft Office and Windows itself, rely on MSXML to handle structured information from web pages and other sources.

What weakness class describes CVE-2012-1889?

CVE-2012-1889 is an uninitialized memory access vulnerability. This means the software tries to use memory that hasn't been properly set up, which can lead to unexpected behavior like crashes or allowing attackers to run their own code.

How could an attacker exploit CVE-2012-1889?

An attacker could exploit this by creating a malicious website. If a user visits this site using a vulnerable version of Microsoft XML Core Services, the flaw could be triggered. The bug is not triggered if the user does not visit the crafted website.

Who should care about CVE-2012-1889 based on Halo Surface Signal?

Organizations should care about this vulnerability if their users might access the internet through affected Microsoft applications. The Halo Surface Signal indicates that while not a direct server exposure, it represents a client-side execution vector that could be initiated by visiting a malicious website.

What is the first step to address CVE-2012-1889?

The initial step is to identify all systems running affected versions of Microsoft XML Core Services. Once identified, organizations should plan to apply any available updates or patches from Microsoft to remediate the vulnerability.

References