Patch Tuesday Analysis for May 2009
MS09-17 patches something like 14 vulnerabilities in most versions of PowerPoint. Ongoing attacks already exploit at least one vulnerability and more exploit code is on the radar. I disagree with Microsoft's rating of Important for some versions of PowerPoint. Their justification is apparently that the user is required to Open, Save, or Cancel before opening a the malformed document. Well, experience has shown that a user cannot be relied upon to make the wise decision when presented with these options. Therefore apply this patch after minimal testing.
| Bulletin | Exploit Types /Technologies Affected | System Types Affected | Exploit details public? / Being exploited? | Comprehensive, practical workaround available? | MS severity rating | Products Affected | Notes | Randy's recommendation | MS09-017
967340 | Arbitrary code
/ Microsoft Office PowerPoint | Workstations Terminal Servers
| Yes/Yes | No | Critical | Office 2000 Office XP Office 2003 Office 2007 Office 2004 for Mac Office 2008 for Mac
| | Patch after minimal testing |
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