Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-144 - Critical
Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (3204059)
Published: December 13, 2016
Version: 1.0
Executive Summary
This security update resolves vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer. The most severe of the vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution if a user views a specially crafted webpage using Internet Explorer. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerabilities could gain the same user rights as the current user. If the current user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker 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.
This security update is rated Critical for Internet Explorer 9 (IE 9), and Internet Explorer 11 (IE 11) on affected Windows clients, and Moderate for Internet Explorer 9 (IE 9), Internet Explorer 10 (IE 10), and Internet Explorer 11 (IE 11) on affected Windows servers. For more information, see the Affected Software section.
The update addresses the vulnerabilities by correcting how:
- Microsoft browser and affected components handle objects in memory
- Microsoft browser checks Same Origin Policy for scripts running inside Web Workers
- Scripting engines handle objects in memory
For more information about the vulnerabilities, see the Vulnerability Information section.
For more information about this update, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 3204059.
Affected Software
The following software versions or editions are affected. Versions or editions that are not listed are either past their support life cycle or are not affected. To determine the support life cycle for your software version or edition, see Microsoft Support Lifecycle.
The severity ratings indicated for each affected software assume the potential maximum impact of the vulnerability. For information regarding the likelihood, within 30 days of this security bulletin’s release, of the exploitability of the vulnerability in relation to its severity rating and security impact, please see the Exploitability Index in the December bulletin summary.
Note Please see the Security Update Guide for a new approach to consuming the security update information. You can customize your views and create affected software spreadsheets, as well as download data via a restful API. For more information, please see the Security Updates Guide FAQ. As a reminder, the Security Updates Guide will be replacing security bulletins as of February 2017. Please see our blog post, Furthering our commitment to security updates, for more details.
**Operating System** | **Component** | **Maximum Security Impact** | **Aggregate Severity Rating** | **Updates Replaced*** |
**Internet Explorer 9** | ||||
Windows Vista Service Pack 2 | [Internet Explorer 9](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3203621) (3203621) | Remote Code Execution | Critical | 3197655 in [MS16-142](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=830372) |
Windows Vista Service Pack 2 |
[Microsoft Windows Hyperlink Object Library](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3208481)[1]
(3208481) |
Remote Code Execution | Critical | |
Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | [Internet Explorer 9](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3203621) (3203621) | Remote Code Execution | Critical | 3197655 in [MS16-142](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=830372) |
Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 |
[Microsoft Windows Hyperlink Object Library](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3208481)[1]
(3208481) |
Remote Code Execution | Critical | |
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 | [Internet Explorer 9](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3203621) (3203621) | Remote Code Execution | Moderate | 3197655 in [MS16-142](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=830372) |
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 |
[Microsoft Windows Hyperlink Object Library](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3208481)[1]
(3208481) |
Remote Code Execution | Moderate | |
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 | [Internet Explorer 9](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3203621) (3203621) | Remote Code Execution | Moderate | 3197655 in [MS16-142](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=830372) |
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 |
[Microsoft Windows Hyperlink Object Library](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3208481)[1]
(3208481) |
Remote Code Execution | Moderate | |
**Internet Explorer 10** | ||||
Windows Server 2012 Security Only[1] |
[Internet Explorer 10](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3205408)[2]
(3205408) |
Remote Code Execution | Moderate | None |
Windows Server 2012 Monthly Rollup\[4\] |
[Internet Explorer 10](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3205409)[2]
(3205409) |
Remote Code Execution | Moderate | 3197877 in [MS16-142](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=830372) |
**Internet Explorer 11** | ||||
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 Security Only\[4\] |
[Internet Explorer 11
](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3205394)
(3205394) |
Remote Code Execution | Critical | None |
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 Monthly Rollup\[4\] |
[Internet Explorer 11
](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3207752)
(3207752) |
Remote Code Execution | Critical | [3197868](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3197868) |
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 Security Only[1] |
[Internet Explorer 11
](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3205394)
(3205394) |
Remote Code Execution | Critical | None |
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 Monthly Rollup[3] |
[Internet Explorer 11
](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3207752)
(3207752) |
Remote Code Execution | Critical | [3197868](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3197868) |
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 Security Only[3] | [Internet Explorer 11](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3205394) (3205394) | Remote Code Execution | Moderate | None |
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 Monthly Rollup[3] | [Internet Explorer 11 ](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3207752)(3207752) | Remote Code Execution | Moderate | [3197868](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3197868) |
Windows 8.1 for 32-bit Systems Security Only[3] |
[Internet Explorer 11
](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3205400)
(3205400) |
Remote Code Execution | Critical | None |
Windows 8.1 for 32-bit Systems Monthly Rollup[3] |
[Internet Explorer 11
](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3205401)
(3205401) |
Remote Code Execution | Critical | [3197874](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3197874) |
Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems Security Only[3] |
[Internet Explorer 11
](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3205400)
(3205400) |
Remote Code Execution | Critical | None |
Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems Monthly Rollup[3] |
[Internet Explorer 11
](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3205401)
(3205401) |
Remote Code Execution | Critical | [3197874](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3197874) |
Windows Server 2012 R2 Security Only[3] |
[Internet Explorer 11
](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3205400)
(3205400) |
Remote Code Execution | Moderate | None |
Windows Server 2012 R2 Monthly Rollup[3] |
[Internet Explorer 11
](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3205401)
(3205401) |
Remote Code Execution | Moderate | [3197874](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3197874) |
Windows RT 8.1 Monthly Rollup[3] | Internet Explorer 11[2]\[4\] (3205401) | Remote Code Execution | Critical | [3197874](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3197874) |
[Windows 10 for 32-bit Systems](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3205383)\[5\] (3205383) | Internet Explorer 11 | Remote Code Execution | Critical | [3198585](https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3198585) |
[Windows 10 for x64-based Systems](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3205383)\[5\] (3205383) | Internet Explorer 11 | Remote Code Execution | Critical | [3198585](https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3198585) |
[Windows 10 Version 1511 for 32-bit Systems](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3205386)\[5\] (3205386) | Internet Explorer 11 | Remote Code Execution | Critical | [3198586](https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3198586) |
[Windows 10 Version 1511 for x64-based Systems](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3205386)\[5\] (3205386) | Internet Explorer 11 | Remote Code Execution | Critical | [3198586](https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3198586) |
[Windows 10 Version 1607 for 32-bit Systems](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3206632)\[5\] (3206632) | Internet Explorer 11 | Remote Code Execution | Critical | [3200970](https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3200970) |
[Windows 10 Version 1607 for x64-based Systems](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3206632)\[5\] (3206632) | Internet Explorer 11 | Remote Code Execution | Critical | [3200970](https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3200970) |
[Windows Server 2016 for x64-based Systems](http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=kb3206632)\[5\] (3206632) | Internet Explorer 11 | Remote Code Execution | Moderate | [3200970](https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3200970) |
[2]For information about changes in support for Internet Explorer beginning January 12, 2016, see Microsoft Support Lifecycle.
[3]Beginning with the October 2016 release, Microsoft has changed the update servicing model for Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2012 R2. For more information, please see this Microsoft TechNet article.
[4]This update is available via Windows Update.
[5] Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 updates are cumulative. The monthly security release includes all security fixes for vulnerabilities that affect Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016, in addition to non-security updates. The updates are available via the Microsoft Update Catalog. Please note that effective December 13, 2016, Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 details for the Cumulative Updates will be documented in Release Notes. Please refer to the Release Notes for OS Build numbers, Known Issues, and affected file list information.
Note The vulnerability discussed in this bulletin affects Windows Server 2016 Technical Preview 5.
Although an update is available for Windows Server 2016 Technical Preview 5 via Windows Update, Microsoft recommends that customers upgrade to Window Server 2016 at their earliest convenience.
*The Updates Replaced column shows only the latest update in any chain of superseded updates. For a comprehensive list of updates replaced, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog, search for the update KB number, and then view update details (updates replaced information is provided on the Package Details tab).
Update FAQ
In addition to installing this update are there any further steps I need to carry out to be protected from any of the vulnerabilities discussed in this bulletin?
Yes. For Vista and Windows Server 2008 operating systems installing the 3203621 cumulative update by itself does not fully protect against CVE-2016-7278 — you must also install security update 3208481 to be fully protected from the vulnerability.
Severity Ratings and Vulnerability Identifiers
The following severity ratings assume the potential maximum impact of the vulnerability. For information regarding the likelihood, within 30 days of this security bulletin's release, of the exploitability of the vulnerability in relation to its severity rating and security impact, please see the Exploitability Index in the December bulletin summary.
Where specified in the Severity Ratings and Impact table, Critical, Important, and Moderate values indicate severity ratings. For more information, see Security Bulletin Severity Rating System. Refer to the following key for the abbreviations used in the table to indicate maximum impact:
Abbreviation | Maximum Impact |
RCE | Remote Code Execution |
EoP | Elevation of Privilege |
ID | Information Disclosure |
SFB | Security Feature Bypass |
**Vulnerability Severity Ratings and Impact** | |||||
**CVE number** | **Vulnerability title** | **Internet Explorer 9** | **Internet Explorer 10** | **Internet Explorer 11** | **Internet Explorer 11** **on Windows 10** |
[CVE-2016-7202](http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=cve-2016-7202) | Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability |
Windows Clients:
**Critical / RCE** Windows Servers: **Moderate / RCE** |
Windows Clients:
**Critical / RCE** Windows Servers: **Moderate / RCE** |
Windows Clients:
**Critical / RCE** Windows Servers: **Moderate / RCE** |
Windows Clients:
**Critical / RCE** Windows Servers: **Moderate / RCE** |
[CVE-2016-7278](http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=cve-2016-7278) | Windows Hyperlink Object Library Information Disclosure Vulnerability |
Windows Clients:
**Important / ID** Windows Servers: **Low / ID** |
Windows Clients:
**Important / ID** Windows Servers: **Low / ID** |
Windows Clients:
**Important / ID** Windows Servers: **Low / ID** |
Not applicable |
[CVE-2016-7279](http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=cve-2016-7279) | Microsoft Browser Memory Corruption Vulnerability |
Windows Clients:
**Important / RCE** Windows Servers: **Low / RCE** |
Windows Clients:
**Important / RCE** Windows Servers: **Low / RCE** |
Windows Clients:
**Important / RCE** Windows Servers: **Low / RCE** |
Windows Clients:
**Important / RCE** Windows Servers: **Low / RCE** |
[CVE-2016-7281](http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=cve-2016-7281) | Microsoft Browser Security Feature Bypass | Not applicable |
Windows Clients:
**Important / SFB** Windows Servers: **Low / SFB** |
Windows Clients:
**Important / SFB** Windows Servers: **Low / SFB** |
Windows Clients:
**Important / SFB** Windows Servers: **Low / SFB** |
[CVE-2016-7282](http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=cve-2016-7282) | Microsoft Browser Information Disclosure Vulnerability |
Windows Clients:
**Important / ID** Windows Servers: **Low / ID** |
Windows Clients:
**Important / ID** Windows Servers: **Low / ID** |
Windows Clients:
**Important / ID** Windows Servers: **Low / ID** |
Windows Clients:
**Important / ID** Windows Servers: **Low / ID** |
[CVE-2016-7283](http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=cve-cve-2016-7283) | Internet Explorer Memory Corruption Vulnerability |
Windows Clients:
**Critical / RCE** Windows Servers: **Moderate / RCE** |
Windows Clients:
**Critical / RCE** Windows Servers: **Moderate / RCE** |
Windows Clients:
**Critical / RCE** Windows Servers: **Moderate / RCE** |
Windows Clients:
**Critical / RCE** Windows Servers: **Moderate / RCE** |
[CVE-2016-7284](http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=cve-2016-7284) | Internet Explorer Information Disclosure Vulnerability | Not applicable |
Windows Clients:
**Important / ID** Windows Servers: **Low / ID** |
Windows Clients:
**Important / ID** Windows Servers: **Low / ID** |
Not applicable |
[CVE-2016-7287](http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=cve-2016-7287) | Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Windows Clients:
**Critical / RCE** Windows Servers: **Moderate / RCE** |
Windows Clients:
**Critical / RCE** Windows Servers: **Moderate / RCE** |
Vulnerability Information
Multiple Information Disclosure Vulnerabilities
Information disclosure vulnerabilities exist in the way that the affected components handle objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited these vulnerabilities could obtain information to further compromise a target system.
In a web-based attack scenario an attacker could host a website in an attempt to exploit the vulnerabilities. Additionally, compromised websites and websites that accept or host user-provided content could contain specially crafted content that could be used to exploit the vulnerabilities. However, in all cases an attacker would have no way to force users to view attacker-controlled content. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to take action. For example, an attacker could trick users into clicking a link that takes them to the attacker's site.
The following table contains links to the standard entry for each vulnerability in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list:
Vulnerability title | CVE number | Publicly disclosed | Exploited |
Windows Hyperlink Object Library Information Disclosure Vulnerability | CVE-2016-7278 | No | No |
Microsoft Browser Information Disclosure Vulnerability | CVE-2016-7282 | Yes | No |
Internet Explorer Information Disclosure Vulnerability | CVE-2016-7284 | No | No |
Vulnerability title | CVE number | Publicly disclosed | Exploited |
Microsoft Browser – Memory Corruption Vulnerability | CVE-2016-7279 | No | No |
Internet Explorer Memory Corruption Vulnerability | CVE-2016-7283 | No | No |
Vulnerability title | CVE number | Publicly disclosed | Exploited |
Microsoft Browser Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability | CVE-2016-7281 | Yes | No |
Vulnerability title | CVE number | Publicly disclosed | Exploited |
Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability | CVE-2016-7202 | Yes | No |
Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability | CVE-2016-7287 | No | No |