Homeland Secure IT Alert
Homeland Secure IT Alert for Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Yesterday was Adobe’s first patch day of the new year and the security bulletin describes a total of six vulnerabilities in Adobe Reader and Acrobat X 10.1.1 and older, on both Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac.
The issues that are addressed are considered “critical” in nature and the solution is to download and deploy updates or to allow the Adobe Software Updater to perform the updates for you.
Adobe Reader X 10.1.2
Adobe Acrobat X 10.1.2
Homeland Secure IT Alert
Microsoft rings in the new year with updates! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
The Advance Notification outlines 7 bulletins that cover updates from “important” to “critical” in Microsoft Windows (XP / Server 2003 / Vista / Server 2008) and Microsoft Developer Tools & Software.
Most will require a restart, or at least MAY require a restart.
On the Advance Notification page you can find out more about the updates coming your way on January 10th.
If you require assistance with these updates or any other security issue in the Greenville / Upstate SC area please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com
This is kind of old news, but seeing a blog post by someone else today reminded me that it is not patched yet…
Apple Safari web browser can be used as an avenue that would allow malicious code on a web site to be run with whatever privileges you have on that computer.
Here’s an actual security bulletin you can read about this:
https://secunia.com/advisories/47237/
Until this is patched for sure, I believe I would not be using the Apple Safari browser on a Windows 7 machine. Just my two cents.
Yesterday, Microsoft issued a security bulletin for the .NET issues mentioned the other day. That document can be found here:
http://technet.microsoft.com/security/bulletin/ms11-dec
Critical Security Bulletins
============================
MS11-100
- Affected Software:
- Windows XP Service Pack 3
- Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4
- Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
- Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4
- Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
- Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4
- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
- Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4
- Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems
- Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4
- Windows Vista Service Pack 2
- Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4
- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2
- Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4
- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2
- Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1
(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)
- Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2
(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1
(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4
(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)
- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2
- Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1
(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)
- Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2
(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1
(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4
(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)
- Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2
- Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4
- Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems only:
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4
- Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 only:
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4
- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems only:
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4
- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 only:
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4
- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems only:
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1
(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation affected)
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4
- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 only:
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1
(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation affected)
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4
(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation affected)
- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems only:
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4
- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems
Service Pack 1 only:
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4
- Impact: Elevation of Privilege
- Version Number: 1.0
Microsoft released Security Advisory 2659883 today which outlines a vulnerability in ASP.NET which could permit a Denial of Service.
More information is available here: http://technet.microsoft.com/security/advisory/2659883
Two notes from that page listed as “Mitigating Factors”:
- By default, IIS is not enabled on any supported Windows operating system
- Sites that disallow application/x-www-form-urlencoded or multipart/form-data HTTP content types are not vulnerable
Please visit the URL above to find out if your OS and version/s of the .NET Framework are affected. Basically it affects every OS, from Windows XP, Vista, 7, Server 2003, and Server 2008 R2, in 64 and 32 bit flavors, and just about every version of the .NET Framework.
Scroll down to the “Suggested Actions” section and read about “Workarounds” if you are using IIS.
If you are in the Greenville or Upstate, SC area and need assistance with this or any other computer service / support issue, please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com
A little something to keep you busy… Adobe vulnerabilities that affect Microsoft Windows, Mac and Unix machines.
Patch ‘em up!
—–BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE—–
Hash: SHA1
National Cyber Alert System
Technical Cyber Security Alert TA11-350A
Adobe Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities
Original release date: December 16, 2011
Last revised: –
Source: US-CERT
Systems Affected
* Adobe Reader X (10.1.1) and earlier 10.x versions for Windows and Macintosh
* Adobe Reader 9.4.6 and earlier 9.x versions for Windows, Macintosh, and UNIX
* Adobe Acrobat X (10.1.1) and earlier 10.x versions for Windows and Macintosh
* Adobe Acrobat 9.4.6 and earlier 9.x versions for Windows and Macintosh
Overview
Adobe has released Security Bulletin APSB11-30, which describes
multiple vulnerabilities affecting Adobe Reader and Acrobat.
I. Description
Adobe Security Bulletin APSB11-30 and Adobe Security Advisory
APSA11-04 describe a number of vulnerabilities affecting Adobe
Reader and Acrobat. These vulnerabilities affect Reader and Acrobat
9.4.6 and earlier 9.x versions. These vulnerabilities also affect
Reader X and Acrobat X 10.1.1 and earlier 10.x versions.
An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by convincing a
user to open a specially crafted PDF file. The Adobe Reader browser
plug-in, which can automatically open PDF documents hosted on a
website, is available for multiple web browsers and operating
systems.
Adobe Reader X and Adobe Acrobat X will be patched in the next
quarterly update scheduled for January 10, 2012.
Additional details for the U3D memory corruption vulnerability can
be found in US-CERT Vulnerability Note VU#759307.
II. Impact
These vulnerabilities could allow a remote attacker to execute
arbitrary code, write arbitrary files or folders to the file
system, escalate local privileges, or cause a denial of service on
an affected system as the result of a user opening a malicious PDF
file.
III. Solution
Update Reader
Adobe has released updates to address this issue. Users are
encouraged to read Adobe Security Bulletin APSB11-30 and update
vulnerable versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat.
In addition to updating, please consider the following mitigations.
Disable Flash in Adobe Reader and Acrobat
Disabling Flash in Adobe Reader will mitigate attacks that rely on
Flash content embedded in a PDF file. Disabling 3D & Multimedia
support does not directly address the vulnerability, but it does
provide additional mitigation and results in a more user-friendly
error message instead of a crash. To disable Flash and 3D &
Multimedia support in Adobe Reader 9, delete, rename, or remove
access to these files:
Microsoft Windows
“%ProgramFiles%\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\authplay.dll”
“%ProgramFiles%\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\rt3d.dll”
Apple Mac OS X
“/Applications/Adobe Reader 9/Adobe
Reader.app/Contents/Frameworks/AuthPlayLib.bundle”
“/Applications/Adobe Reader 9/Adobe
Reader.app/Contents/Frameworks/Adobe3D.framework”
GNU/Linux (locations may vary among distributions)
“/opt/Adobe/Reader9/Reader/intellinux/lib/libauthplay.so”
“/opt/Adobe/Reader9/Reader/intellinux/lib/librt3d.so”
File locations may be different for Adobe Acrobat or other Adobe
products that include Flash and 3D & Multimedia support. Disabling
these plugins will reduce functionality and will not protect
against Flash content that is hosted on websites. Depending on the
update schedule for products other than Flash Player, consider
leaving Flash and 3D & Multimedia support disabled unless they are
absolutely required.
Disable JavaScript in Adobe Reader and Acrobat
Disabling JavaScript may prevent some exploits from resulting in
code execution. Acrobat JavaScript can be disabled using the
Preferences menu (Edit -> Preferences -> JavaScript; uncheck Enable
Acrobat JavaScript).
Adobe provides a framework to blacklist specific JavaScipt APIs. If
JavaScript must be enabled, this framework may be useful when
specific APIs are known to be vulnerable or used in attacks.
Prevent Internet Explorer from automatically opening PDF files
The installer for Adobe Reader and Acrobat configures Internet
Explorer to automatically open PDF files without any user
interaction. This behavior can be reverted to a safer option that
prompts the user by importing the following as a .REG file:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AcroExch.Document.7]
“EditFlags”=hex:00,00,00,00
Disable the display of PDF files in the web browser
Preventing PDF files from opening inside a web browser will
partially mitigate this vulnerability. If this workaround is
applied, it may also mitigate future vulnerabilities.
To prevent PDF files from automatically being opened in a web
browser, do the following:
1. Open Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2. Open the Edit menu.
3. Choose the Preferences option.
4. Choose the Internet section.
5. Uncheck the “Display PDF in browser” checkbox.
Remove or restrict access to 3difr.x3d
By removing or restricting access to the 3difr.x3d file, Adobe
Reader and Acrobat will fail to render U3D content, which helps to
mitigate this vulnerability. PDF documents that use the PRC format
for 3D content will continue to function on Windows and Linux
platforms.
To disable U3D support in Adobe Reader 9 on Microsoft Windows,
delete or rename this file:
“%ProgramFiles%\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\plug_ins3d\3difr.x3d”
For Apple Mac OS X, delete or rename this directory:
“/Applications/Adobe Reader 9/Adobe
Reader.app/Contents/Frameworks/Adobe3D.framework”
For GNU/Linux, delete or rename this file (locations may vary among
distributions):
“/opt/Adobe/Reader9/Reader/intellinux/plug_ins3d/3difr.x3d”
File locations may be different for Adobe Acrobat or other Adobe
products or versions.
Do not access PDF files from untrusted sources
Do not open unfamiliar or unexpected PDF files, particularly those
hosted on websites or delivered as email attachments. Please see
Cyber Security Tip ST04-010.
IV. References
* Security update available for Adobe Reader and Acrobat -
<https://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb11-30.html>
* Adobe Reader and Acrobat JavaScript Blacklist Framework -
<http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/504/cpsid_50431.html>
* Adobe Acrobat and Reader U3D memory corruption vulnerability -
<http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/759307>
* Security Advisory for Adobe Reader and Acrobat -
<https://www.adobe.com/support/security/advisories/apsa11-04.html>
____________________________________________________________________
The most recent version of this document can be found at:
<http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA11-350A.html>
____________________________________________________________________
Feedback can be directed to US-CERT Technical Staff. Please send
email to <cert@cert.org> with “TA11-350A Feedback VU#759307″ in
the subject.
____________________________________________________________________
For instructions on subscribing to or unsubscribing from this
mailing list, visit <http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/signup.html>.
____________________________________________________________________
Produced 2011 by US-CERT, a government organization.
Terms of use:
<http://www.us-cert.gov/legal.html>
____________________________________________________________________
Revision History
December 16, 2011: Initial release
—–BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE—–
Version: GnuPG v1.4.5 (GNU/Linux)
iQEVAwUBTuuZnz/GkGVXE7GMAQIN8ggAjjQO8LOasl98uasGZW2J5SHfkKr675Mf
ymRzBagFqO9QuId2RvFG2b9nuq5zdqETsrcG1t668wtYLUhBaoLmFXPe/KsDQ9n+
/p9PctVJFmJpV92S3kAHw+u4t1n/Aa/4IdK0oXNBDhkyXrp41F27LY+aQ8FWWuxZ
lL4jXSUQ/gLgb6hOhLjRCsQtEhAcPbX/mPNxl6bACXZaOVZT88fz9M7JXryDiJWO
uuFi3O2GT0Bd3fEsL57U/TSbq8SynadObMSj4/+Q1HmOHcD0L5gzd9/N4M3D1Emg
y7aeUpgycY5eFefY3LVVkb7JkTUbEZHbuNHydFKIJDRlaXBAo+D0QQ==
=rKM4
—–END PGP SIGNATURE—–
National Cyber Alert System
Technical Cyber Security Alert TA11-347A
Microsoft Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities
Original release date: December 13, 2011
Last revised: –
Source: US-CERT
Systems Affected
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Office
- Internet Explorer
Overview
There are multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows, Office, and Internet Explorer. Microsoft has released updates to address these vulnerabilities.
I. Description
The Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for December 2011 describes multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows. Microsoft has released updates to address the vulnerabilities. Additional details for MS11-091 can be found in US-CERT vulnerability note VU#361441.
II. Impact
A remote, unauthenticated attacker could execute arbitrary code, cause a denial of service, or gain unauthorized access to your files or system.
III. Solution
Apply updates
Microsoft has provided updates for these vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for December 2011. That bulletin describes any known issues related to the updates. Administrators are encouraged to note these issues and test for any potentially adverse effects. In addition, administrators should consider using an automated update distribution system such as Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).
IV. References
- Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for December 2011 – <https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/bulletin/ms11-dec>
- Microsoft Windows Server Update Services – <http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/wsus/default.aspx>
- US-CERT Vulnerability Note VU#361441 – <http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/361441 >
Feedback can be directed to US-CERT.
Produced 2011 by US-CERT, a government organization. Terms of use
Last updated December 13, 2011
In the last 24hrs, I have spoken with or assisted at least 3 people who have become infected due to opening a malicious email.
One of them was my wifey, Pamela, who received an email from the US Postal Service stating that her package had been refused and to open the attached file for details. Due to her old Microsoft Windows Vista system which without question should be updated, the payload from the trojan was dropped and she was without her computer for 3 hours while over 300,000 items were scanned again and again and her icons restored so she could use her desktop.
What is happening is a bit of social engineering. The emails appear to come from someone you trust, in this case the Post Office, and they appear to have important information, just too good to pass up. A busy worker may be momentarily fooled, and likely, at the very moment they click on the item, they think, “Ohhh I bet I shouldn’t have done that”, but it is too late.
- How can you keep from becoming a victim of this type of exploit?
- Avoid using unpatched Microsoft Windows systems! When updates are released, install them.
- Install all updates to important applications, such as Microsoft Office.
- Install all updates to Adobe Reader, Flash, Acrobat, and to JAVA.
- Keep current and trustworthy anti-virus such as Trend Micro Titanium 2012 on all your computers.
- Use caution when opening attachments. Ask yourself why the USPS would be sending you and email and why would the information be in an attachment before clicking on it.
Before I get responses such as “Macs do not have that problem”, yes, Apple Mac OS X does have that problem. We have dealt with almost as many Mac security issues this year as we have Windows 7. Regardless of the Operating System, a little common sense and preventative maintenance goes a long way!
Should you need help with a virus cleanup or virus removal for your personal computer or your business, we can help. We also partner with Trend Micro to offer Worry-Free, Trend Micro Titanium, and the entire outstanding line of Trend Micro anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam and anti-everything software, just give us a call at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com.
Windows 7 Logo
One of the features that made Windows 7 attractive to some people has been the “Gadgets”. Where you could place a clock, weather, stock ticker, or other gadget on your screen sidebar.
Well, it appears that back in September, Microsoft in their infinite wisdom dropped that feature… If you visit their website looking for gadgets, you will be told that the Windows Live Gallery has been retired “in order to focus support on the much richer set of opportunities available for the newest version of Windows”. You will find only a few options for downloading new gadgets.
Your existing gadgets are there and function fine, but there is no support from MS.
This is presumably in preparation for Microsoft Windows 8, which has a totally different way of handling these live tiles, or gadgets.
Diamond VStream WPCTV1080H
The question of the day was from a client who asked, “How can I display what I see on my notebook to my big screen TV, without physically connecting it?”.
Obviously, connecting the notebook to your LCD TV is probably the easiest thing in the world, using an HDMI, DVI or even VGA cable, however, it is inconvenient, especially if you are using the notebook for a presentation and the TV is on the other end of the room.
Fortunately, there are a number of devices on the market that allow you to easily stream your video and audio to external displays, wirelessly.
One is the Diamond Multimedia Wireless Converter (WPCTV1080H), that connects to your display with an HDMI cable, and to your notebook with a little USB dongle.
Now your external display becomes an extension of your notebook! You can watch everything from Netflix to YouTube to your security cameras in full 1080p resolution. The computer can be up to about 30 ft away from the display device.
Slick, eh? Only about 120 dollars, or less. We have them if you need one. They even include the HDMI cable.
