VUPEN Security Research - Microsoft Internet Explorer "mshtml.dll" Dangling 
Pointer Vulnerability (CVE-2011-0036)

http://www.vupen.com/english/research.php


I. BACKGROUND
---------------------

"Microsoft Internet Explorer is a web browser developed by Microsoft and
included as part of the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems with
more than 60% of the worldwide usage share of web browsers." (Wikipedia)


II. DESCRIPTION
---------------------

VUPEN Vulnerability Research Team discovered a critical vulnerability
in Microsoft Internet Explorer.

The vulnerability is caused by a dangling pointer in the "mshtml.dll"
library when handling certain object manipulations, which could be exploited
by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking a user into
visiting a malicious web page.

CVSS Score: 10 (AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C)


III. AFFECTED PRODUCTS
---------------------------

Microsoft Internet Explorer 8
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6

Microsoft Windows 7 (32-bit)
Microsoft Windows 7 (64x)
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2 (Itanium)
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 (32-bit)
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 (32-bit) Service Pack 2
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 (64x)
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 (64x) Service Pack 2
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 (Itanium)
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 (Itanium) Service Pack 2
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 (64x)
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 (Itanium)
Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 1
Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 2
Microsoft Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1
Microsoft Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3


IV. Binary Analysis & Exploits/PoCs
---------------------------------------

In-depth binary analysis of the vulnerability and a code execution exploit
with ASLR and DEP bypass are available through the VUPEN Binary Analysis &
Exploits Service :

http://www.vupen.com/english/services/ba-index.php


V. VUPEN Threat Protection Program
-----------------------------------

To proactively protect critical networks and infrastructures against 
unpatched
vulnerabilities and reduce risks related to zero-day attacks, VUPEN shares 
its
vulnerability research with governments and organizations members of the 
VUPEN
Threat Protection Program (TPP).

VUPEN TPP customers receive fully detailed and technical reports about 
security
vulnerabilities discovered by VUPEN and in advance of their public 
disclosure.

VUPEN TPP customers have been protected against this vulnerability 8 months
before the release of the Microsoft patch.

http://www.vupen.com/english/services/tpp-index.php


VI. SOLUTION
----------------

Apply the MS11-003 security update.


VII. CREDIT
--------------

This vulnerability was discovered by Nicolas Joly of VUPEN Security


VIII. ABOUT VUPEN Security
---------------------------

VUPEN is a leading IT security research company providing vulnerability
management and security intelligence solutions which enable enterprises
and institutions to eliminate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited,
ensure security policy compliance and meaningfully measure and manage risks.

Governmental and federal agencies, and global enterprises in the financial
services, insurance, manufacturing and technology industries rely on VUPEN
to improve their security, prioritize resources, cut time and costs, and
stay ahead of the latest threats.

* VUPEN Vulnerability Notification Service (VNS) :
http://www.vupen.com/english/services/vns-index.php

* VUPEN Binary Analysis & Exploits Service (BAE) :
http://www.vupen.com/english/services/ba-index.php

* VUPEN Threat Protection Program for Govs (TPP) :
http://www.vupen.com/english/services/tpp-index.php

* VUPEN Web Application Security Scanner (WASS) :
http://www.vupen.com/english/services/wass-index.php


IX. REFERENCES
----------------------

http://www.vupen.com/english/research-vuln.php
http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2011/0318
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS11-003.mspx


X. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
-----------------------------

2010-06-15 - Vulnerability Discovered by VUPEN
2010-06-17 - VUPEN TPP customers informed
2010-xx-xx - Vulnerability rediscovered by third parties
2011-02-08 - MS11-003 security update available