Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user. Updates are available.
Description
Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.
This vulnerability is due to errors when Windows handles malformed values within AVI header fields. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to view a malicious media file. If the user opens the file, the attacker could execute code with the privileges of the user.
Microsoft has confirmed this vulnerability in a security bulletin and released software updates.
Warning Indicators
Systems running the following versions of Microsoft Windows are vulnerable:
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 SP2 and prior
Windows Vista SP2 and prior
Windows Vista x64 Edition SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems SP2 and prior
IntelliShield Analysis
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must convince a user to view a malicious AVI file. The attacker may provide files to users via e-mail messages, or post malicious media files on public websites. If the user opens the malicious file, the attacker could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user. On systems that allow users to run applications with the privileges of the Administrator account, the attacker could execute code that results in a complete system compromise.
The Cisco Applied Intelligence team has created an Applied Mitigation Bulletin to address vulnerabilities that Microsoft disclosed in the August 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 Release for August 2009
The update available from Microsoft corrects this vulnerability by improving the processing of AVI headers.
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS09-038
Impact
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user. If the targeted user holds elevated privileges, the attacker could execute code that results in a complete system compromise.
Technical Information
This vulnerability is due to errors when Microsoft Windows handles malformed values within AVI header fields by the AVIFile application programming interface (API). An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to view a malicious AVI media file. The processing of the file while a user is viewing the file could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code with user privileges.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Administrators may consider disabling access to avifil32.dll to prevent the rendering of AVI content.
Users should verify that unsolicited links are safe to follow.
Users are advised to run applications with the least privileges necessary.
Administrators may consider using the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) scan tool to identify common security misconfigurations and missing security updates on system endpoints.
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
Datacenter Edition Base | Datacenter Edition, 64-bit Base | Enterprise Edition Base | Enterprise Edition, 64-bit Base | Essential Business Server Premium Base | Essential Business Server Premium, 64-bit Base | Essential Business Server Standard Base | Itanium-Based Systems Edition Base | Standard Edition Base | Standard Edition, 64-bit Base | Web Server Base | Web Server, 64-bit Base
Microsoft, Inc.
Windows Vista
Business Base, SP1 | Business x64 Edition Base, SP1 | Enterprise Base, SP1 | Enterprise x64 Edition Base, SP1 | Home Basic Base, SP1 | Home Basic x64 Edition Base, SP1 | Home Premium Base, SP1 | Home Premium x64 Edition Base, SP1 | Ultimate Base, SP1 | Ultimate x64 Edition Base, SP1
Microsoft, Inc.
Windows XP
Home Edition Base, SP1, SP2, SP3 | Professional Edition Base, SP1, SP2, SP3 | Professional x64 (AMD/EM64T) Base, SP2
Associated Products:
N/A
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