MS09-024
Threat LevelDamageDistribution

Effects 

MS09-024 is not categorized as virus, worm, Trojan or backdoor. It is a critical vulnerability in Works Converters, which allows arbitrary code to be remotely executed in the vulnerable computer.

The affected versions are:

• Word 2000 on Office 2000, Word 2002 on Office XP, Word 2003 on Office 2003 and Word 2007 on Office 2007.
• Works 8.5 and 9.

There is a vulnerability due to the way Works for Windows document converters handle specially crafted Works files.

If exploited successfully, MS09-024 allows hackers to gain remote control of the affected computer with the same privileges as the logged-on user. If this user had administrator rights, the hacker could take complete control of the system: create, modify or delete files, install programs, create new user accounts, etc.

MS09-024 is exploited by creating a specially crafted Works file and sending it via email or hosting it in a website and convincing users to open it.

If you have any of the vulnerable programs installed on your computer, it is recommended to download and apply the security patch for this vulnerability. Click here to access the web page for downloading the patch.