July 2008
BitDefender Protects Against Zero-Day Microsoft Word Bug
The BitDefender Labs released a signature update to protect clients against the latest unpatched Word exploit.
The vulnerability affects Word 2002 SP3 , could be exploited by an attacker to "gain the same user rights as the local user", according to Microsoft. The exploit is already being used in the wild.
"The samples we retrieved were already being detected as malicious by BitDefender software, as the exploit was being used to drop a malicious executable file that we had already signed. As of this morning, we've also added detection for the exploit itself, blocking this avenue of attack against our clients once and for all" explained Senior BitDefender AV Researcher Attila Balazs.
The dropped component is a backdoor detected by BitDefender as Backdoor.PoisonIvy.CV. Once installed, PoisonIvy grants complete control over the affected computer to an attacker.
Malicious files containing the exploit are detected by BitDefender as Exploit.Word.MS-953635.A. The vulnerability itself is detailed in Microsoft Security Advisory 953635. An analysis of the PoisonIvy backdoor variant used in the attacks is ongoing and will be published on the BitDefender website as soon as possible.
About Bitdefender®
Bitdefender is the creator of one of the world's fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified internet security software.Since 2001, the company has been an industry pioneer, introducing and developing award-winning protection. Today, Bitdefender technology secures the digital experience of around 400 million home and corporate users across the globe.
Recently, the company has won a range of key independent recommendations in the US, UK and across Europe, including ConsumerSearch, Which?, Stiftung Warentest and Taenk. Bitdefender antivirus technology has also finished top in leading industry tests from both AV Test and AV-Comparatives. More information about Bitdefender's antivirus products is available from the company's security solutions press room. Additionally, Bitdefender publishes Malware City providing the latest updates on security threats and helping users stay informed in the everyday battle against malware.