Windows Graphics Component Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

A remote code execution vulnerability exists due to the way the Windows Graphics Component handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could take control of the affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.

There are multiple ways an attacker could exploit the vulnerability:

• In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a specially crafted website that is designed to exploit this vulnerability and then convince a user to view the website. An attacker would have no way to force users to view the attacker-controlled content. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to take action, typically by getting them to click a link in an email message or in an Instant Messenger message that takes users to the attacker’s website, or by opening an attachment sent through email.
• In a file sharing attack scenario, an attacker could provide a specially crafted document file that is designed to exploit the vulnerability, and then convince a user to open the document file.

Note that for affected Microsoft Office products, the Preview Pane is an attack vector.

The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the Windows Graphics Component handles objects in the memory.