Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code. Updates are available.
Description
Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 and prior, XP SP3 and prior and Windows Server 2003 SP2 and prior contain a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.
This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of parameters within QuickTime content by the DirectShow component. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to visit a malicious website. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user.
Microsoft has confirmed this vulnerability in a security bulletin and released updated software.
Warning Indicators
Microsoft DirectShow components of DirectX versions 7.0, 8.1, and 9.0 are vulnerable when running on the following platforms:
Windows 2000 SP4 and prior
Windows XP SP3 and prior
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2003 SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems with SP2 and prior
IntelliShield Analysis
Attackers have no way to directly exploit this vulnerability, and instead must rely on user participation to accomplish an exploit. An attacker may provide links to users that direct users to malicious sites, or embed malicious script on public sites that attempt to launch exploits against users visiting the site.
Exploitation could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the vulnerable system with the privileges of the user. If that user holds Administrator privileges, the attacker could execute code that results in a complete system compromise. On systems that permit users to run programs only with limited privileges, the impact of an exploit likely decreases, because any executed code would run with restricted privileges.
The Cisco Applied Intelligence team has created an Applied Mitigation Bulletin to address vulnerabilities that Microsoft disclosed in the July 2009 security bulletin release. This Cisco bulletin, which assists administrators in identifying or mitigating these vulnerabilities using Cisco devices, is available at the following link: Cisco Applied Mitigation Bulletin: Microsoft Security Bulletin for July 2009.
The update available from Microsoft corrects this vulnerability by improving memory pointer updates.
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS09-028
Impact
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user. If that user holds Administrator privileges, the attacker could completely compromise a vulnerable system.
Technical Information
The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of parameters within QuickTime content by the DirectShow component. The processing of malicious QuickTime files could trigger a memory error, causing the DirectShow component to improperly update a memory pointer.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to view a website that contains malicious QuickTime content. When opened, the website could cause a memory error, resulting in the corruption of memory. The attacker could leverage the memory corruption to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Administrators may consider unregistering or disabling access to the quartz.dll component to prevent the processing of QuickTime content.
Users are advised not to visit websites or follow links that have suspicious characteristics or that cannot be verified as safe.
Users are advised to run applications with the least privileges necessary.
Patches/Software
Microsoft customers can obtain updates directly by using the links in the security bulletin. These updates are also distributed by Windows automatic update features and available on the Windows Update website. Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Systems Management Server, and System Center Configuration Manager can assist administrators in deploying software updates.
Signatures
Cisco Systems Cisco Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) 6.0
Home Edition Base, SP1, SP2, SP3 | Professional Edition Base, SP1, SP2, SP3 | Professional x64 (AMD/EM64T) Base, SP2
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