Microsoft Security Bulletin (MS99-031)

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Microsoft Security Bulletin (MS99-031)
--------------------------------------

Patch Available for "Virtual Machine Sandbox" Vulnerability
Originally Posted: August 25, 1999

Summary
=======
Microsoft has released a patch that eliminates a security vulnerability in
the Microsoft(r)  virtual machine (Microsoft VM). The vulnerability could
allow a Java applet to take virtually any  action on the computer of a web
site visitor.

Frequently asked questions regarding this vulnerability can be found at
http://www.microsoft.com/security/bulletins/MS99-031faq.asp

Issue
=====
The Microsoft VM is a virtual machine for the Win32(r) operating
environment. It runs atop  Microsoft Windows(r) 95, 98 or Windows NT(r). It
ships as part of each operating system, and also  as part of Microsoft
Internet Explorer. The version of the Microsoft VM that ships with Microsoft
Internet Explorer 4.0 and Internet Explorer 5.0 contains a security
vulnerability that could  allow a Java applet to operate outside the bounds
set by the sandbox and take any desired action  on the user's computer. If
such an applet were hosted on a web site, it could act against the  computer
of any user who visited the site.

Affected Software Versions
==========================
 - Microsoft VM, all builds in the 2000 and 3000 series

NOTE: The affected versions shipped primarily as part of Internet Explorer
4.0 and 5. The FAQ  provides instructions for determining the specific build
on your machine.

Patch Availability
==================
 - http://www.microsoft.com/java/vm/dl_vm32.htm

More Information
================
Please see the following references for more information related to this
issue.
 - Microsoft Security Bulletin MS99-031: Frequently Asked Questions,
   http://www.microsoft.com/security/bulletins/MS99-031faq.asp.
 - Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) article Q240346,
   Malicious Java Applet may be able to Read, Write, or Delete
   Files on the Computer of a Web Site Visitor,
   http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q240/3/46.asp.
   (Note: It may take 24 hours from the original posting of this
   bulletin for the KB article to be visible.)
 - Microsoft Security Advisor web site,
   http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.asp.

Obtaining Support on this Issue
===============================
This is a fully supported patch. Information on contacting Microsoft
Technical Support is available at
http://support.microsoft.com/support/contact/default.asp.

Acknowledgments
===============
Microsoft acknowledges Xerox PARC for bringing this issue to our attention.

Revisions
=========
 - August 25, 1999: Bulletin Created.

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