Software Engineering Institute

The LoadImage API routine is used to load an image from a file on Microsoft Windows platforms. The LoadImage API is included part of the USER 32 library. A lack of input validation on user supplied input to the LoadImage API routine may allow an integer overflow to occur. If a remote attacker supplies a specially crafted image file to a vulnerable system, that attacker may be able to trigger the integer overflow to compromise that system.

According to public reports, many Microsoft Windows are affected. However, reports also indicate Windows XP with Service Pack 2 is not vulnerable, but we have not confirmed this.

Note that exploits for this vulnerability are publicly available.

If a remote attacker can persuade a user to access a specially crafted image file, the attacker may be able to execute arbitrary code on that user's system, possibly with elevated privileges. Potentially any operation that displays an image could trigger exploitation; for instance, browsing the file system, reading HTML email, or browsing websites.

Apply Patch

Apply a patch as described in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-002. Please also note that Microsoft is actively deploying the patches for this vulnerability via Windows Update.