Security Updates for Internet Explorer (September 2021) - Nessus

High   Plugin ID: 153374

This page contains detailed information about the Security Updates for Internet Explorer (September 2021) Nessus plugin including available exploits and PoCs found on GitHub, in Metasploit or Exploit-DB for verifying of this vulnerability.

Table Of Contents
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Plugin Overview

ID: 153374
Name: Security Updates for Internet Explorer (September 2021)
Filename: smb_nt_ms21_sep_internet_explorer.nasl
Vulnerability Published: 2021-09-14
This Plugin Published: 2021-09-14
Last Modification Time: 2021-12-09
Plugin Version: 1.6
Plugin Type: local
Plugin Family: Windows : Microsoft Bulletins
Dependencies: ms_bulletin_checks_possible.nasl, smb_check_rollup.nasl, smb_hotfixes.nasl
Required KB Items [?]: SMB/MS_Bulletin_Checks/Possible

Vulnerability Information

Severity: High
Vulnerability Published: 2021-09-14
Patch Published: 2021-09-14
CVE [?]: CVE-2021-40444
CPE [?]: cpe:/a:microsoft:ie
Exploited by Malware: True

Synopsis

The Internet Explorer installation on the remote host is missing a security update.

Description

The Internet Explorer installation on the remote host is missing a security update. It is, therefore, affected by a memory corruption error in the scripting engine. An unauthenticated, remote attacker can exploit this to execute arbitrary commands. (CVE-2021-40444)

Solution

Microsoft has released the following security updates to address this issue: -KB5005563 -KB5005606 -KB5005613 -KB5005623 -KB5005633

Public Exploits

Target Network Port(s): 139, 445
Target Asset(s): Host/patch_management_checks
Exploit Available: True (Metasploit Framework, GitHub)
Exploit Ease: Exploits are available

Here's the list of publicly known exploits and PoCs for verifying the Security Updates for Internet Explorer (September 2021) vulnerability:

  1. Metasploit: exploit/windows/fileformat/word_mshtml_rce
    [Microsoft Office Word Malicious MSHTML RCE]
  2. GitHub: https://github.com/0xsyr0/OSCP
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  3. GitHub: https://github.com/34zY/Microsoft-Office-Word-MSHTML-Remote-Code-Execution-Exploit
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  4. GitHub: https://github.com/Alexcot25051999/CVE-2021-40444
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  5. GitHub: https://github.com/Ascotbe/Kernelhub
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  6. GitHub: https://github.com/DarkSprings/CVE-2021-40444
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  7. GitHub: https://github.com/FanqXu/CVE-2021-40444
    [CVE-2021-40444: CVE-2021-40444 Microsoft MSHTML Remote Code Execution Vulnerability]
  8. GitHub: https://github.com/H0j3n/CVE-2021-40444
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  9. GitHub: https://github.com/Immersive-Labs-Sec/cve-2021-40444-analysis
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  10. GitHub: https://github.com/InfoSecPolkCounty/CVE2021-40444-document-Scanner
    [CVE-2021-40444: Scans Microsoft office documents for malicious xml entries]
  11. GitHub: https://github.com/Iveco/xknow_infosec
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  12. GitHub: https://github.com/Jeromeyoung/MSHTMHell
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  13. GitHub: https://github.com/KnoooW/CVE-2021-40444-docx-Generate
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  14. GitHub: https://github.com/Lagal1990/CVE-2021-40444-docx-Generate
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  15. GitHub: https://github.com/LazarusReborn/Docx-Exploit-2021
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  16. GitHub: https://github.com/MRacumen/CVE-2021-40444
    [CVE-2021-40444: Microsoft-Office-Word-MSHTML-Remote-Code-Execution-Exploit]
  17. GitHub: https://github.com/Mr-xn/Penetration_Testing_POC
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  18. GitHub: https://github.com/Panopticon-Project/panopticon-WizardSpider
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  19. GitHub: https://github.com/QwertyStack/CVE-2021-40444_PoC
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  20. GitHub: https://github.com/R0fM1a/CVE-2021-40444-pocv
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  21. GitHub: https://github.com/RedLeavesChilde/CVE-2021-40444
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  22. GitHub: https://github.com/Spacial/awesome-csirt
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  23. GitHub: https://github.com/TiagoSergio/CVE-2021-40444
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  24. GitHub: https://github.com/VilNE-Scanner/VilNE
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  25. GitHub: https://github.com/YangSirrr/YangsirStudyPlan
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  26. GitHub: https://github.com/YxZi5/Detection-CVE_2021_40444
    [CVE-2021-40444: Script in python detecting malious office document]
  27. GitHub: https://github.com/amartinsec/MSHTHell
    [CVE-2021-40444: Malicious document builder for CVE-2021-40444]
  28. GitHub: https://github.com/aydianosec/CVE2021-40444
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  29. GitHub: https://github.com/ba0jy/awesome-intelligence
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  30. GitHub: https://github.com/bambooqj/CVE-2021-40444_EXP_JS
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  31. GitHub: https://github.com/carloslacasa/cyber-ansible
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  32. GitHub: https://github.com/eduardomcm/VelociraptorCompetition
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  33. GitHub: https://github.com/eminunal1453/Various-Malware-Hashes
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  34. GitHub: https://github.com/endrazine/cnam-tp5-sec108
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  35. GitHub: https://github.com/fengjixuchui/CVE-2021-40444-docx-Generate
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  36. GitHub: https://github.com/izj007/wechat
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  37. GitHub: https://github.com/k8gege/CVE-2021-40444
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  38. GitHub: https://github.com/khoaduynu/CVE-2021-40444
    [CVE-2021-40444: POC for CVE-2021-40444]
  39. GitHub: https://github.com/kozmer/CVE-2021-40444
    [CVE-2021-40444: Demo for CVE-2021-40444]
  40. GitHub: https://github.com/lisinan988/CVE-2021-40444-exp
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  41. GitHub: https://github.com/mahesh-0369/my-project-2
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  42. GitHub: https://github.com/nightrelax/Exploit-PoC-CVE-2021-40444-inject-ma-doc-vao-docx
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  43. GitHub: https://github.com/r0eXpeR/supplier
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  44. GitHub: https://github.com/ramirezversion/winwordexfil
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  45. GitHub: https://github.com/rfcxv/CVE-2021-40444-POC
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  46. GitHub: https://github.com/slaughterjames/Dridex_17092021
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  47. GitHub: https://github.com/ulexec/Exploits
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  48. GitHub: https://github.com/vanhohen/ADNinja
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  49. GitHub: https://github.com/vanhohen/MSHTML-CVE-2021-40444
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  50. GitHub: https://github.com/vysecurity/CVE-2021-40444
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  51. GitHub: https://github.com/ycdxsb/WindowsPrivilegeEscalation
    [CVE-2021-40444]
  52. GitHub: https://github.com/aslitsecurity/CVE-2021-40444_builders
    [CVE-2021-40444: This repo contain builders of cab file, html file, and docx file for CVE-2021-40444 ...]
  53. GitHub: https://github.com/Edubr2020/CVE-2021-40444--CABless
    [CVE-2021-40444: Modified code so that we don´t need to rely on CAB archives]
  54. GitHub: https://github.com/factionsypho/TIC4301_Project
    [CVE-2021-40444: TIC4301 Project - CVE-2021-40444]
  55. GitHub: https://github.com/gh0stxplt/CVE-2021-40444-URL-Extractor
    [CVE-2021-40444: Python script to extract embedded URLs from doc files (.doc, .docx, .docm, .rtf)]
  56. GitHub: https://github.com/jamesrep/cve-2021-40444
    [CVE-2021-40444: Reverse engineering the "A Letter Before Court 4.docx" malicious files exploting ...]
  57. GitHub: https://github.com/js-on/CVE-2021-40444
    [CVE-2021-40444: partly working PoC, check lockedbytes PoC for full experience!]
  58. GitHub: https://github.com/kal1gh0st/CVE-2021-40444_CAB_archives
    [CVE-2021-40444: CVE 2021 40444 Windows Exploit services.dll]
  59. GitHub: https://github.com/mansk1es/Caboom
    [CVE-2021-40444: A malicious .cab creation tool for CVE-2021-40444]
  60. GitHub: https://github.com/ozergoker/CVE-2021-40444
    [CVE-2021-40444: Microsoft MSHTML Remote Code Execution Vulnerability CVE-2021-40444]
  61. GitHub: https://github.com/Udyz/CVE-2021-40444-CAB
    [CVE-2021-40444: CVE-2021-40444 - Custom CAB templates from MakeCAB]
  62. GitHub: https://github.com/Udyz/CVE-2021-40444-Sample
    [CVE-2021-40444: CVE-2021-40444 Sample]
  63. GitHub: https://github.com/zaneGittins/CVE-2021-40444-evtx
    [CVE-2021-40444: Event logs from running CVE-2021-40444 samples]
  64. GitHub: https://github.com/Zeop-CyberSec/word_mshtml
    [CVE-2021-40444: Contains the offensive (exploit and auxiliary) modules for the CVE-2021-40444.]
  65. GitHub: https://github.com/0xK4gura/CVE-2021-40444-POC
    [CVE-2021-40444: An attempt to reproduce Microsoft MSHTML Remote Code Execution (RCE) Vulnerability ...]
  66. GitHub: https://github.com/klezVirus/CVE-2021-40444
    [CVE-2021-40444: CVE-2021-40444 - Fully Weaponized Microsoft Office Word RCE Exploit]
  67. GitHub: https://github.com/lockedbyte/CVE-2021-40444
    [CVE-2021-40444: Reproduce steps for CVE-2021-40444]

Before running any exploit against any system, make sure you are authorized by the owner of the target system(s) to perform such activity. In any other case, this would be considered as an illegal activity.

WARNING: Beware of using unverified exploits from sources such as GitHub or Exploit-DB. These exploits and PoCs could contain malware. For more information, see how to use exploits safely.

Risk Information

CVSS Score Source [?]: CVE-2021-40444
CVSS V2 Vector: AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P/E:H/RL:OF/RC:C
CVSS Base Score:6.8 (Medium)
Impact Subscore:6.4
Exploitability Subscore:8.6
CVSS Temporal Score:5.9 (Medium)
CVSS Environmental Score:NA (None)
Modified Impact Subscore:NA
Overall CVSS Score:5.9 (Medium)
CVSS V3 Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:H/RL:O/RC:C
CVSS Base Score:7.8 (High)
Impact Subscore:5.9
Exploitability Subscore:1.8
CVSS Temporal Score:7.5 (High)
CVSS Environmental Score:NA (None)
Modified Impact Subscore:NA
Overall CVSS Score:7.5 (High)

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Plugin Source

This is the smb_nt_ms21_sep_internet_explorer.nasl nessus plugin source code. This script is Copyright (C) 2021 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof. 

#%NASL_MIN_LEVEL 70300
#
# (C) Tenable Network Security, Inc.
#

include('deprecated_nasl_level.inc');
include('compat.inc');

if (description)
{
  script_id(153374);
  script_version("1.6");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_modification_date", value:"2021/12/09");

  script_cve_id("CVE-2021-40444");
  script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"5005563");
  script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"5005606");
  script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"5005613");
  script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"5005623");
  script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"5005633");
  script_xref(name:"MSFT", value:"MS21-5005563");
  script_xref(name:"MSFT", value:"MS21-5005606");
  script_xref(name:"MSFT", value:"MS21-5005613");
  script_xref(name:"MSFT", value:"MS21-5005623");
  script_xref(name:"MSFT", value:"MS21-5005633");
  script_xref(name:"CISA-KNOWN-EXPLOITED", value:"2021/11/17");

  script_name(english:"Security Updates for Internet Explorer (September 2021)");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"synopsis", value:
"The Internet Explorer installation on the remote host is missing a security update.");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"description", value:
"The Internet Explorer installation on the remote host is missing a security update. It is, therefore, affected by a
memory corruption error in the scripting engine. An unauthenticated, remote attacker can exploit this to execute
arbitrary commands. (CVE-2021-40444)");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/5005563");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/5005606");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/5005613");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/5005623");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/5005633");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"solution", value:
"Microsoft has released the following security updates to address this issue:  
  -KB5005563
  -KB5005606
  -KB5005613
  -KB5005623
  -KB5005633");
  script_set_cvss_base_vector("CVSS2#AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P");
  script_set_cvss_temporal_vector("CVSS2#E:H/RL:OF/RC:C");
  script_set_cvss3_base_vector("CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H");
  script_set_cvss3_temporal_vector("CVSS:3.0/E:H/RL:O/RC:C");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"cvss_score_source", value:"CVE-2021-40444");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploitability_ease", value:"Exploits are available");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_available", value:"true");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploited_by_malware", value:"true");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"metasploit_name", value:'Microsoft Office Word Malicious MSHTML RCE');
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_framework_metasploit", value:"true");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"vuln_publication_date", value:"2021/09/14");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"patch_publication_date", value:"2021/09/14");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_publication_date", value:"2021/09/14");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_type", value:"local");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"cpe:/a:microsoft:ie");
  script_end_attributes();

  script_category(ACT_GATHER_INFO);
  script_family(english:"Windows : Microsoft Bulletins");

  script_copyright(english:"This script is Copyright (C) 2021 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.");

  script_dependencies("smb_check_rollup.nasl", "smb_hotfixes.nasl", "ms_bulletin_checks_possible.nasl");
  script_require_keys("SMB/MS_Bulletin_Checks/Possible");
  script_require_ports(139, 445, "Host/patch_management_checks");

  exit(0);
}
include('smb_hotfixes_fcheck.inc');
include('smb_hotfixes.inc');
include('smb_func.inc');

get_kb_item_or_exit('SMB/MS_Bulletin_Checks/Possible');

var bulletin = 'MS21-09';
var kbs = make_list(
  '5005563',
  '5005606',
  '5005613',
  '5005623',
  '5005633'
);

if (get_kb_item('Host/patch_management_checks')) hotfix_check_3rd_party(bulletin:bulletin, kbs:kbs, severity:SECURITY_WARNING);

get_kb_item_or_exit('SMB/Registry/Enumerated');
var os = get_kb_item_or_exit('SMB/WindowsVersion', exit_code:1);

if (hotfix_check_sp_range(vista:'2', win7:'1', win8:'0',  win81:'0') <= 0) audit(AUDIT_OS_SP_NOT_VULN);

var productname = get_kb_item_or_exit('SMB/ProductName', exit_code:1);
if ('Windows 8' >< productname && '8.1' >!< productname)
 audit(AUDIT_OS_SP_NOT_VULN);
if ('Vista' >< productname) audit(AUDIT_OS_SP_NOT_VULN);

if (hotfix_check_server_core() == 1) audit(AUDIT_WIN_SERVER_CORE);

var share = hotfix_get_systemdrive(as_share:TRUE, exit_on_fail:TRUE);
if (!is_accessible_share(share:share)) audit(AUDIT_SHARE_FAIL, share);

if (
  # Windows 8.1 / Windows Server 2012 R2
  # Internet Explorer 11
  hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:'6.3', sp:0, file:'mshtml.dll', version:'11.0.9600.20120', min_version:'11.0.9600.16000', dir:'\\system32', bulletin:bulletin, kb:'5005563') ||

  # Windows Server 2012
  # Internet Explorer 11
  hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:'6.2', sp:0, file:'mshtml.dll', version:'11.0.9600.20120', min_version:'11.0.9600.16000', dir:'\\system32', bulletin:bulletin, kb:'5005563') ||

  # Windows 7 / Server 2008 R2
  # Internet Explorer 11
  hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:'6.1', sp:1, file:'mshtml.dll', version:'11.0.9600.20120', min_version:'11.0.9600.16000', dir:'\\system32', bulletin:bulletin, kb:'5005563') ||

  # Windows Server 2008
  # Internet Explorer 9
  hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:'6.0', sp:2, file:'mshtml.dll', version:'9.0.8112.21591', min_version:'9.0.8112.16000', dir:'\\system32', bulletin:bulletin, kb:'5005563')
)
{
  var report =  '\nNote: The fix for this issue is available in either of the following updates:\n';
  report += '  - KB5005563 : Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer\n';

  if(os == '6.3')
  {
    report += '  - KB5005613 : Windows 8.1 / Server 2012 R2 Monthly Rollup\n';
    hotfix_add_report(bulletin:bulletin, kb:'5005613', report);
  }
  else if(os == '6.2')
  {
    report += '  - KB5005623 : Windows Server 2012 Monthly Rollup\n';
    hotfix_add_report(bulletin:bulletin, kb:'5005623', report);
  }
  else if(os == '6.1')
  {
    report += '  - KB5005633 : Windows 7 / Server 2008 R2 Monthly Rollup\n';
    hotfix_add_report(bulletin:bulletin, kb:'5005633', report);
  }
  else if(os == '6.0')
  {
    report += '  - KB5005606 : Windows Server 2008 Monthly Rollup\n';
    hotfix_add_report(bulletin:bulletin, kb:'5005606', report);
  }

  set_kb_item(name:'SMB/Missing/'+bulletin, value:TRUE);

  var port = kb_smb_transport();

  hotfix_security_warning();
  hotfix_check_fversion_end();
}
else
{
  hotfix_check_fversion_end();
  audit(AUDIT_HOST_NOT, hotfix_get_audit_report());
}

The latest version of this script can be found in these locations depending on your platform:

  • Linux / Unix:
    /opt/nessus/lib/nessus/plugins/smb_nt_ms21_sep_internet_explorer.nasl
  • Windows:
    C:\ProgramData\Tenable\Nessus\nessus\plugins\smb_nt_ms21_sep_internet_explorer.nasl
  • Mac OS X:
    /Library/Nessus/run/lib/nessus/plugins/smb_nt_ms21_sep_internet_explorer.nasl

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How to Run

Here is how to run the Security Updates for Internet Explorer (September 2021) as a standalone plugin via the Nessus web user interface (https://localhost:8834/):

  1. Click to start a New Scan.
  2. Select Advanced Scan.
  3. Navigate to the Plugins tab.
  4. On the top right corner click to Disable All plugins.
  5. On the left side table select Windows : Microsoft Bulletins plugin family.
  6. On the right side table select Security Updates for Internet Explorer (September 2021) plugin ID 153374.
  7. Specify the target on the Settings tab and click to Save the scan.
  8. Run the scan.

Here are a few examples of how to run the plugin in the command line. Note that the examples below demonstrate the usage on the Linux / Unix platform.

Basic usage:

/opt/nessus/bin/nasl smb_nt_ms21_sep_internet_explorer.nasl -t <IP/HOST>

Run the plugin with audit trail message on the console:

/opt/nessus/bin/nasl -a smb_nt_ms21_sep_internet_explorer.nasl -t <IP/HOST>

Run the plugin with trace script execution written to the console (useful for debugging):

/opt/nessus/bin/nasl -T - smb_nt_ms21_sep_internet_explorer.nasl -t <IP/HOST>

Run the plugin with using a state file for the target and updating it (useful for running multiple plugins on the target):

/opt/nessus/bin/nasl -K /tmp/state smb_nt_ms21_sep_internet_explorer.nasl -t <IP/HOST>

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References

MSKB | Microsoft Knowledge Base: MSFT | Microsoft Security Bulletin:
  • MS21-5005563, MS21-5005606, MS21-5005613, MS21-5005623, MS21-5005633
See also: Similar and related Nessus plugins:
  • 153214 - Security Updates for Microsoft Internet Explorer OOB (Sept 2021) (deprecated)
  • 153381 - KB5005565: Windows 10 Version 2004 / Windows 10 Version 20H2 / Windows 10 Version 21H1 Security Update (September 2021)
  • 153383 - KB5005566: Windows 10 version 1909 / Windows Server 1909 Security Update (September 2021)
  • 153373 - KB5005568: Windows 10 Version 1809 and Windows Server 2019 September 2021 Security Update
  • 153372 - KB5005569: Windows 10 version 1507 LTS September 2021 Security Update
  • 153377 - KB5005573: Windows 10 Version 1607 and Windows Server 2016 September 2021 Security Update
  • 153375 - KB5005627: Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 September 2021 Security Update
  • 153386 - KB5005618: Windows Server 2008 September 2021 Security Update
  • 153384 - KB5005607: Windows Server 2012 September 2021 Security Update
  • 153379 - KB5005615: Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 September 2021 Security Update
  • 153387 - Security Updates for Microsoft Office Products (September 2021)

Version

This page has been produced using Nessus Professional 10.1.2 (#68) LINUX, Plugin set 202205072148.
Plugin file smb_nt_ms21_sep_internet_explorer.nasl version 1.6. For more plugins, visit the Nessus Plugin Library.

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