MS06-019
Threat LevelDamageDistribution

Effects 

MS06-019 is not categorized as virus, worm, Trojan or backdoor. It is a critical vulnerability in Exchange Server 2003/2000, which allows arbitrary code to be remotely executed in the vulnerable computer.

This vulnerability exists due to the way in which EXCDO (Exchange Collaboration Data Objects) and CDOEX (Collaboration Data Objects for Exchange) functionalities process certain iCAL and vCAL properties.

On the one hand, EXCDO and CDOEX are interfaces that allow certain types of information to be processed in the Exchange store.

On the other, vCAL (Virtual Calendar) and iCAL (Internet Calendar) are MIME content types used by Exchange Server and email clients when sending and exchanging information related to calendars and scheduling.

If exploited successfully, MS06-019 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.

This vulnerability is usually exploited by sending a specially crafted message to an Exchange Server.

If you have Exchange Server 2003/2000, it is recommendable to download and apply the security patch for this vulnerability. Click here to access the web page for downloading the patch.