RE: Execution Rights Not Checked Correctly For 16-bit Application s

From: Vigneau, Steve (steve.vigneauat_private)
Date: Wed Sep 18 2002 - 13:39:00 PDT

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    I wasn't able to duplicate this on a Windows 2000 SP3 box. I think it may
    have been fixed there, seeing as this document was written before SP3 was
    released.
    
    --Steve
    
    
    -----Original Message-----
    From: Torbjörn Hovmark [mailto:torbjorn.hovmarkat_private] 
    Sent: Wednesday, September 18, 2002 1:35 PM
    To: bugtraqat_private
    Subject: Execution Rights Not Checked Correctly For 16-bit Applications
    
    
    A 16-bit executable file can be loaded for execution even though the file is
    flagged with execute permission denied.
    
    Platforms: Windows NT, 2000, XP
    
    
    
    Overview:
    
    Windows NT/2000/XP do not check execution rights correctly before allowing
    16-bit executables to load. This makes it possible to load and execute
    16-bit files without execute permission. For example, the command line
    
    COMMAND /c 16BitApp.exe
    
    will always run the application 16BitApp.exe regardless of execute
    permission.
    
    Any application or system setup that depends on access control lists to
    protect from remote or local code execution is potentially vulnerable.
    
    
    
    
    
    Background:
    
    For a background discussion and more detailed instructions of how to
    reproduce, see http://www.abtrusion.com/msexe16.asp
    
    
    
    
    
    Workaround:
    
    Disable NTVDM.EXE. It is possible to do this by denying everyone EXECUTE
    permission for NTVDM.EXE. Please note that this will disable all 16-bit
    programs.
    
    
    
    
    
    Status:
    
    The bug was reported to Microsoft on July 2, 2002.
    
    Microsoft plans to fix this bug in future service packs.
    
    
    
    
    
    Vendor Statement:
    
    Microsoft wants to make the following statement: "Microsoft will fix this
    and Microsoft feels that a service pack is the most appropriate way to
    address this issue."
    
    
    
    ______________________________________
    Abtrusion Security AB
    http://www.abtrusion.com
    



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