Invalid Universal Plug and Play Request can Disrupt System Operation
From the MS security mailing list...
Title: Invalid Universal Plug and Play Request can Disrupt
System Operation
Released: 01 November 2001
Revised: 13 November 2001
Software: Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows XP
Impact: Denial of Service
Max Risk: low
Bulletin: MS01-054
Microsoft encourages customers to review the Security Bulletin at:
<a href="http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS01-0xx.asp." target="_blank">http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS01-0xx.asp.</a>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Reason for Revision:
====================
On November 08, 2001 Microsoft discovered that the Windows ME
patch failed to properly register the upnp.dll. On November 13,
2001, Microsoft released a corrected version of the Windows ME patch.
Microsoft recommends that customers who installed the original
Windows ME patch download and install the new one. Customers using
other systems do not need to take any additional action, as only
the Windows ME patch contained the error.
Issue:
======
The Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) service allows computers to
discover and use network-based devices. Windows ME and XP include
native UPnP services; Windows 98 and 98SE do not include a native
UPnP service, but one can be installed via the Internet Connection
Sharing client that ships with Windows XP.
A vulnerability results because the UPnP service does not correctly
handle certain types of invalid UPnP requests. On Windows 98, 98SE,
and ME systems, receiving such a request could cause a variety of
effects ranging from slow performance to system failure. On
Windows XP, the effect is less serious as the flaw consists of a
memory leak. Each time a Windows XP system received such a request,
a small amount of system memory would become unavailable;
if repeated many times, it could deplete system resources to
the point where performance slowed or stopped altogether.
Mitigating Factors:
====================
- Standard firewalling practices (specifically, blocking ports 1900
and 5000) could be used to protect corporate networks from
Internet-based attacks.
- On Windows 98 and 98SE, there is no native UPnP support for these
systems. Windows 98 and 98SE systems would only be affected if
the Internet Connection Sharing Client from Windows XP had been
installed on the system.
- On Windows ME, UPnP supportis neither installed nor running by
default. (However, some OEMs do configure pre-built systems
with the service installed and running).
- On Windows XP, the Internet Connection Firewall, which runs
by default, would impede an attacker's ability to locate and
attack the system.
Risk Rating:
============
- Internet systems: Low
- Intranet systems: Low
- Client systems: Low
Patch Availability:
===================
- A patch is available to fix this vulnerability. Please read the
Security Bulletin at
<a href="http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms01-054.asp" target="_blank">http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms01-054.asp</a>
for information on obtaining this patch.
