[Vmyths.com ALERT] Hysteria predicted for 'JPEG Processor' vulnerability

[Rob Rosenberger <junkmail () barnowl com>]

Vmyths.com Virus Hysteria Alert
Truth About Computer Security Hysteria
{15 September 2004, 01:55 CT}

CATEGORIES: (1) Misconceptions about a real computer security threat
            (2) A historical perspective on recent hysteria

Microsoft has issued a "critical" alert regarding a "buffer overrun" in software it uses to display JPEG images.  In 
theory, if you try to view a specially crafted JPEG file, it could take over your computer and do whatever it wishes.  
Microsoft has released a security patch to fix this buffer overrun.  Vmyths urges you to download the patch, install 
it, and get on with your life.

   Buffer Overrun in JPEG Processing Could Allow Code Execution:
      http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS04-028.mspx

Vmyths believes media outlets will POUNCE on this story, because (a) Microsoft announced a "critical" vulnerability in 
the way its software reads an ubiquitous file type, and (b) computer emergency response teams have issued their own 
alerts.  Watch for breathless speculation and hysteria in the coming days.  Some naïve system administrators may tell 
reporters they'll delete JPEG files from emails and refuse to let web browsers display JPEG files, "strictly as a 
precaution."  (We don't expect anyone will implement this Draconian measure for very long.  We believe too many users 
will clamor against it.)

   Remember this when virus hysteria strikes:
      http://Vmyths.com/resource.cfm?id=31&page=1

Microsoft's "JPEG Processor" vulnerability manifests itself as a buffer overrun in a piece of software.  It is NOT 
caused by the JPEG file format itself.  Buffer overruns are extremely common: you'll find them in almost every large 
software application (even antivirus software).  They can create situations where even a filename itself can wreak 
havoc.  By definition, every buffer overrun will eventually join its brothers in the land of obscurity.

   Buffer overruns in antivirus software:
      http://zdnet.com.com/2100-11-515441.html

The "Code Red" worms successfully exploited a buffer overrun in 2001, and Vmyths believes some reporters will allude to 
this -- as if to imply a horrific JPEG attack may be just around the corner.  Buffer overruns are extremely common, yet 
they only rarely ever get exploited.  Researcher Georgi Guninski, for example, publishes "proof of concept" exploits 
for many of the "critical" buffer overruns he finds.  Guninski's exploits have never made a splash despite his best 
efforts.


A little history -- this isn't the first time an image file format has come under fire.  An April Fool's joke targeted 
JPEG files a decade ago:

   1994 April Fool "JPEG virus" alert:
      http://www.2meta.com/april-fools/1994/JPEG-Virus.html

In 2001, researchers claimed a specially crafted GIF file could be used to cause a buffer overrun in Microsoft Outlook. 
 It was purely a coincidence that a GIF file could exploit this threat.

In 2002, the "Perrun" virus added software to the computers it infected, then it modified the Windows registry so 
future viruses could "ride" inside a JPEG file.  The virus writer could have chosen to do the same thing with GIF files 
or even TEXT files.  Antivirus vendor Sophos urged restraint over the Perrun virus, saying "some anti-virus vendors may 
be tempted to predict the end of the world as we know it, or warn of an impending era when all graphic files should be 
treated with suspicion.  Such experts should be ashamed of themselves."

   McAfee gets slapped in 2002 for "JPEG virus" alert:
      http://www.sophos.com/virusinfo/articles/perrun.html


Vmyths suspects a hoax virus alert will arise with instructions to delete the JPEG registered file type in Windows.  
(It's practically a self-fulfilling prophesy.)  Such a hoax will play on the user's misconception of the threat.  Don't 
take unsolicited advice from people who are NOT experts.  Users will self-damage their operating systems if they delete 
the JPEG registered file type.

   False Authority Syndrome
      http://Vmyths.com/fas/fas1.cfm

Stay calm.  Stay reasoned.  And stay tuned to Vmyths.

Rob Rosenberger, editor
http://Vmyths.com
Rob () Vmyths com
(319) 646-2800

Acknowledgements:
   Phone call from Kevin Poulsen, SecurityFocus

CATEGORIES: (1) Misconceptions about a real computer security threat
            (2) A historical perspective on recent hysteria

--------------- Useful links ------------------

Common clichés in the antivirus world
http://Vmyths.com/resource.cfm?id=22&page=1

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