Alert - Exploitation of Recently Disclosed Vulnerability - Microsoft Office

Number: AL17-005
Date: 13 April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this alert is to bring attention to a recently disclosed vulnerability VulnerabilityA flaw or weakness in the design or implementation of an information system or its environment that could be exploited to adversely affect an organization's assets or operations. in the Encapsulated PostScript filter of Microsoft Office and its exploitation.

Assessment

CCIRC is aware of attacks exploiting recently patched zero-day vulnerabilities. As a result, CCIRC would like to raise awareness concerning this potentially serious vulnerability, as it may be exploited by malicious actors to perform a range of fraudulent activities, such as accessing sensitive information and installing malware MalwareMalicious software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system, without the owner's consent. Common forms of malware include computer viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and adware. .

Suggested Action

Due to the elevated risk that this vulnerability presents, CCIRC recommends that system administrators test and deploy the vendor-released updates to affected applications accordingly. CCIRC recommends that priority is given to that patch.

References:

Microsoft Guidance Advisory
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/2017-2605

Microsoft Knowledge Based
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2479871/security-settings-for-graphic-filters-for-microsoft-office-365

TR11-001 Malware Infection Recovery Guide
http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/cybr-ctr/2011/tr11-001-eng.aspx  

TR15-004 Top 30 Targeted High Risk Vulnerabilities
http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/cybr-ctr/2015/tr15-004-eng.aspx