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Workaround for Microsoft Windows Kernel Exception Handler Code Execution Vulnerability (MS10-015)

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Check Point Reference: SBP-2010-11
Date Published:
Severity:
Source: Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-015
Industry Reference(s): CVE-2010-0232
Protection Provided by: Security Gateway
  • R70
VPN-1
  • NGX R65
VSX
  • NGX R65
IPS-1
  • IPS-1
  • IPS-1 NGX R65
Who is Vulnerable?
Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4
Windows XP SP2
Windows XP SP3
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition SP2
Windows Server 2003 SP2
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition SP2
Windows Server 2003 with SP2 (Itanium)
Windows Vista
Windows Vista SP1
Windows Vista SP2
Windows Vista x64 Edition
Windows Vista x64 Edition SP1
Windows Vista x64 Edition SP2
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems SP2
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems SP2
Windows Server 2008 (Itanium)
Windows Server 2008 (Itanium) SP2
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems
Vulnerability Description
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the Windows Kernel due to the way the kernel handles certain exceptions. The Windows Kernel is the core of the operating system. It provides system level services such as device management and memory management, allocates processor time to processes, and manages error handling. An attacker may exploit this vulnerability via a specially crafted application.
Update/Patch Available
Apply patches:
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-015
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is due to a design weakness in the Windows kernel when handling certain exceptions. A remote attacker could trigger this flaw by using a specially crafted 16-bit program in the affected system. Successfully exploitation of this vulnerability could allow the attacker to take complete control of an affected system.

Protection Overview
This protection will detect and block Windows executable (PE) 16-bit files.

Since the protection offered in this advisory may degrade performance and block access to legitimate files, users are advised to use this protection as a workaround till all systems are patched.

IPS-1 will detect and block he transfer of windows PE files over HTTP, SMTP, FTP, TFTP and IRC. For more information: CPAI-2010-104.

In order for the protection to be activated, update your Security Gateway/VPN-1 product to the latest IPS/SmartDefense update. For information on how to update IPS/SmartDefense, go to SBP-2006-05, Protection tab and select the version of your choice. 

To configure the defense, select your product from the list below and follow the related protection steps.

Security Gateway R70

How Can I Protect My Network?
1. In the IPS tab, click Protections > By Protocol > Application Intelligence > Content Protection.
2. In the right pane, double-click the Portable Executable (PE) 16-bit File protection.
3. In the Protection Details window, click on Edit. Choose the protection's Action (Override IPS Policy with: Prevent/Detect), and apply Additional Settings.
4. Install policy on all modules.

How Do I Know if My Network is Under Attack?
SmartView Tracker will log the following entries:

Attack Name: Content Protection Violation
Attack Information: Portable Executable (PE) 16-bit file

VPN-1 NGX R65 & VPN-1 VSX NGX R65

How Can I Protect My Network?
1. In the SmartDefense tab, click Application Intelligence > Content Protection > Portable Executable (PE) 16-bit File.
2. In the configuration pane, under Settings > Mode, check Active.
3. Install policy on all modules.

How Do I Know if My Network is Under Attack?
SmartView Tracker will log the following entries:

Attack Name: Content Protection Violation
Attack Information: Portable Executable (PE) 16-bit file