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Microsoft Security Bulletin (MS99-037)
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Patch Available for "ImportExportFavorites" Vulnerability
Originally Posted: September 10, 1999
Re-released: September 24, 1999
Summary
=======
On September 10, 1999, Microsoft released the original version of this
bulletin, in order to provide a workaround for a security vulnerability in
Microsoft(c) Internet Explorer 5 that could allow a malicious web site
operator to take inappropriate action on the computer of a person who
visited the site. Microsoft has completed a patch that completely eliminates
the vulnerability, and has re-released this bulletin in order to advise
customers of its availability. In addition to eliminating the
"ImportExportFavorites" vulnerability, the patch also eliminates a security
vulnerability posed by several ActiveX controls that ship as part of
Internet Explorer 4.01 and 5.
Frequently asked questions regarding this vulnerability can be found
at http://www.microsoft.com/security/bulletins/MS99-037faq.asp
Issue
=====
IE 5 includes a feature that allows users to export a list of their favorite
web sites to a file, or to import a file containing a list of favorite
sites. The method that is used to perform this function,
ImportExportFavorites(), should only allow particular types of files to be
written, and only to specific locations on the drive. However, it is
possible for a web site to invoke this method, bypass this restriction and
write files that could be used to execute system commands. The net result
is that a malicious web site operator potentially could take any action on
the computer that the user would be capable of taking.
This vulnerability would chiefly affect workstations that are connected to
the Internet. The patch restores correct operation to the
ImportExportFavorites() method. In addition, the patch addresses security
problems posed by several ActiveX controls. The specific controls and the
actions taken are discussed in the FAQ.
Affected Software Versions
==========================
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 and 5
Patch Availability
==================
- Internet Explorer 4.01 for Intel:
ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/peropsys/ie/ie-public/fixes/usa/
IE401/ImportExportFavorites-fix/x86/q241361.exe
- Internet Explorer 4.01 for Alpha:
ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/peropsys/ie/ie-public/fixes/usa/
IE401/ImportExportFavorites-fix/Alpha/q241361.exe
- Internet Explorer 5 for Intel:
ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/peropsys/ie/ie-public/fixes/usa/
IE50/ImportExportFavorites-fix/x86/q241361.exe
- Internet Explorer 5 for Alpha:
ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/peropsys/ie/ie-public/fixes/usa/
IE50/ImportExportFavorites-fix/Alpha/q241361.exe
NOTE: Line breaks have been inserted into the above URLs for readability.
NOTE: The patch also will be available shortly via WindowsUpdate. When this
happens, we will amend this bulletin to provide specific link information.
More Information
================
Please see the following references for more information related to this
issue.
- Microsoft Security Bulletin MS99-037: Frequently Asked Questions,
http://www.microsoft.com/security/bulletins/MS99-037faq.asp.
- Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) article Q241361,
Update available to disable ActiveX controls and the ImportExport
Security Issues,
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q241/3/61.asp.
(Note: It may take 24 hours from the posting of this bulletin for
the KB article to appear)
- Microsoft Security Advisor web site,
http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.asp.
Obtaining Support on this Issue
===============================
Information on contacting Microsoft Technical Support is available at
http://support.microsoft.com/support/contact/default.asp.
Acknowledgments
===============
Microsoft acknowledges Georgi Guninski for bringing the
ImportExportFavorites
issue to our attention. Microsoft acknowledges Shane Hird of Australia and
Richard Smith of Phar Lap Software (http://www.pharlap.com/) for reporting
the unsafe ActiveX controls to us.
Revisions
=========
- September 10, 1999: Bulletin Created.
- September 24, 1999: Bulletin revised to provide patch information and
discuss ActiveX controls.
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