A Vulnerability in Microsoft MSHTML Could Allow for Remote Code Execution

A Vulnerability in Microsoft MSHTML Could Allow for Remote Code Execution

ITS ADVISORY NUMBER: 

2021-108

DATE(S) ISSUED: 

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

SUBJECT: 

A Vulnerability in Microsoft MSHTML Could Allow for Remote Code Execution

OVERVIEW: 

A vulnerability has been discovered in Microsoft MSHTML, which could allow for remote code execution. MSHTML (also known as Trident) is the engine used for Internet Explorer. It is also used by Microsoft Office applications for rendering web based content. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in remote code execution in the context of the affected user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could view, change, or delete data.

THREAT INTELLIGENCE:

According to Microsoft, this threat is being exploited in the wild.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED: 

• Windows Server 2012
• Windows Server 2012 R2
• Windows Server 2008
• Windows Server 2008 R2
• Windows RT 8.1
• Windows 8.1
• Windows Server 2016
• Windows 10
• Windows Server, version 2004
• Windows Server 2022
• Windows Server 2019

RISK:

Government:

Large and medium government entities: High

Small government entities: High

Business:

Large and medium business entities: Medium

Small business entities: Medium

Home Users: Low

DESCRIPTION: 

A vulnerability has been discovered in Microsoft MSHTML, which could allow for remote code execution. MSHTML (also known as Trident) is the engine used for Internet Explorer. It is also used by Microsoft Office applications for rendering web based content. Exploitation requires an attacker to craft a malicious Microsoft Office document that hosts the browser rendering engine, and entice a user to open it. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in remote code execution in the context of the affected user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could view, change, or delete data.

ACTIONS: 

• After appropriate testing, immediately apply patches provided by Microsoft to vulnerable systems.
• If patching is not possible, apply the appropriate work arounds as provided in the reference below.
• Run all software as a nonprivileged user (one without administrative privileges) to diminish the effects of a successful attack.
• Evaluate read, write, and execute permissions on all newly installed software.
• Apply the Principle of Least Privilege to all systems and services.

REFERENCES: 

Microsoft:
https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2021-40444

CVE:
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2021-40444