WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
A Internet Explorer Zero Day Vulnerability has been discovered in which a remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the scripting engine handles objects in memory. The vulnerability could corrupt memory in such a way that an attacker could execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the current user. If the current user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could take control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.
In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a specially crafted website that is designed to exploit the vulnerability through Internet Explorer and then convince a user to view the website, for example, by sending an email.
The security update addresses the vulnerability by modifying how the scripting engine handles objects in memory.
This High severity vulnerability has been assigned CVE-2019-1367.
Microsoft has released updates to their cumulative updates to address this issue. This release is not a standalone patch, but a new release of the cumulative updates. The updates are large and need to distribute around the environment before they are deployed to systems. Content is currently being downloaded and distributed in MECM to all Distribution points. Once the content is distributed in MECM and BigFix, it will be added to the September ePatching update groups and actions. This will require systems that have already installed their September patches to take action on the new update. This also requires a reboot for systems that are not excluded from rebooting.
Members of the ePatching Fast Ring Testing Group will receive the patch with a deadline of 4PM local time today to give us a chance to apply the patch to our test systems ahead of the evening deadline.
Additional information can be found on the SAT page and the USGS TST websites.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
Local IT should inform users about the new Zero Day patch update and the fact they will receive a new patch and a new request to install and reboot their systems.
Local IT should encourage ePatching Fast Ring testers to apply the new patches when available ahead of the 4PM local time deadline and report any issues to the ePatching team asap.
Please forward this information to users within your sphere of influence for their awareness.
Send questions to gs_epatching@usgs.gov.
Thank you,
OFFICE OF ENTERPRISE INFORMATION
IT Security Operations - ePatching Team
