[11532] in bugtraq
Microsoft Security Bulletin (MS99-031)
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Aleph One)
Thu Aug 26 18:22:59 1999
Message-Id: <19990826031102.4153.qmail@underground.org>
Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 20:11:02 -0700
Reply-To: aleph1@UNDERGROUND.ORG
From: Aleph One <aleph1@UNDERGROUND.ORG>
X-To: bugtraq@securityfocus.com
To: BUGTRAQ@SECURITYFOCUS.COM
The following is a Security Bulletin from the Microsoft Product Security
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********************************
Microsoft Security Bulletin (MS99-031)
--------------------------------------
Patch Available for "Virtual Machine Sandbox" Vulnerability
Originally Posted: August 25, 1999
Summary
=======
Microsoft has released a patch that eliminates a security vulnerability in
the Microsoft(r) virtual machine (Microsoft VM). The vulnerability could
allow a Java applet to take virtually any action on the computer of a web
site visitor.
Frequently asked questions regarding this vulnerability can be found at
http://www.microsoft.com/security/bulletins/MS99-031faq.asp
Issue
=====
The Microsoft VM is a virtual machine for the Win32(r) operating
environment. It runs atop Microsoft Windows(r) 95, 98 or Windows NT(r). It
ships as part of each operating system, and also as part of Microsoft
Internet Explorer. The version of the Microsoft VM that ships with Microsoft
Internet Explorer 4.0 and Internet Explorer 5.0 contains a security
vulnerability that could allow a Java applet to operate outside the bounds
set by the sandbox and take any desired action on the user's computer. If
such an applet were hosted on a web site, it could act against the computer
of any user who visited the site.
Affected Software Versions
==========================
- Microsoft VM, all builds in the 2000 and 3000 series
NOTE: The affected versions shipped primarily as part of Internet Explorer
4.0 and 5. The FAQ provides instructions for determining the specific build
on your machine.
Patch Availability
==================
- http://www.microsoft.com/java/vm/dl_vm32.htm
More Information
================
Please see the following references for more information related to this
issue.
- Microsoft Security Bulletin MS99-031: Frequently Asked Questions,
http://www.microsoft.com/security/bulletins/MS99-031faq.asp.
- Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) article Q240346,
Malicious Java Applet may be able to Read, Write, or Delete
Files on the Computer of a Web Site Visitor,
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q240/3/46.asp.
(Note: It may take 24 hours from the original posting of this
bulletin for the KB article to be visible.)
- Microsoft Security Advisor web site,
http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.asp.
Obtaining Support on this Issue
===============================
This is a fully supported patch. Information on contacting Microsoft
Technical Support is available at
http://support.microsoft.com/support/contact/default.asp.
Acknowledgments
===============
Microsoft acknowledges Xerox PARC for bringing this issue to our attention.
Revisions
=========
- August 25, 1999: Bulletin Created.
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