Proof-of-concept code that demonstrates an exploit of the Microsoft Windows Movie Maker arbitrary code execution vulnerability is publicly available.
Description
Microsoft Windows Movie Maker contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.
The vulnerability is due to insecure parsing of Windows Movie Maker project files. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to view a malicious project file. If the user opens the file, the attacker could exploit the vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user.
Proof-of-concept code that exploits this vulnerability is publicly available.
Microsoft has confirmed this vulnerability in a security bulletin and released updated software.
Warning Indicators
Microsoft Windows Movie Maker 2.1 contains this vulnerability when running on the following systems:
Windows XP SP3 and prior
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition SP2 and prior
Microsoft Windows Movie Maker 2.6 contains this vulnerability when running on the following systems:
Windows Vista
Windows Vista x64 Edition
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems
Microsoft Windows Movie Maker 6.0 contains this vulnerability when running on the following systems:
Windows Vista SP2 and prior
Windows Vista x64 Edition SP2 and prior
Systems running Microsoft Producer 2003, a component of PowerPoint that is included in Microsoft Office 2003, are also vulnerable.
IntelliShield Analysis
To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must convince a user to view a malicious Windows Movie Maker project file. The attacker may deliver a file to the user as an e-mail attachment, using social engineering techniques.
On systems where users hold elevated privileges, the attacker could execute code that results in a full system compromise. However, if the user runs applications with limited privileges, any code execution as the result of an exploit would occur in a restricted security context, limiting the overall impact.
The Cisco Applied Intelligence team has created an Applied Mitigation Bulletin to address vulnerabilities that Microsoft disclosed in the March 2010 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 March 2010
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user. If that user holds elevated privileges, the attacker could execute code that results in a complete system compromise.
Technical Information
This vulnerability is due to insufficient boundary checking that occurs in the IsValidWMToolsStream() function when the vulnerable application processes mswmm files. The vulnerable function copies data to the *pbuffer memory object twice, with two different sets of input. During the second access, the *pbuffer pointer is not reallocated before it is used again. A buffer overflow may occur if the size of the data copied to the object is bigger than the initial value of the *pbuffer value.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending a malicious project file to a user on an affected system. If the user opens the file, the attacker could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Administrators are advised to use an unprivileged account for routine activities.
Administrators are advised to implement an intrusion prevention system (IPS) or intrusion detection system (IDS) to help detect and prevent attacks that attempt to exploit this vulnerability.
Users are advised not to open media files from suspicious or unrecognized sources. If users cannot verify that media files are safe, they are advised not to open them.
Users should verify that unsolicited links are safe to follow.
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.
Microsoft has released updated software at the following link: Microsoft Producer
Signatures
Cisco Systems Cisco Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) 6.0
Version 3, May 4, 2010, 9:17 AM: Microsoft has released an additional security bulletin and updated software to address the Microsoft Windows Movie Maker arbitrary code execution vulnerability.
Version 2, March 11, 2010, 10:49 AM: Additional technical information that describes the Microsoft Windows Movie Maker arbitrary code execution vulnerability is available.
Version 1, March 9, 2009, 1:39 PM: Microsoft Windows Movie Maker contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code. Updates are available.
Home Edition Base, SP1, SP2, SP3 | Media Center Edition 2005, Base | Original Release Base, SP1 | Professional Edition Base, SP1, SP2, SP3 | Professional Edition, 64-bit (Itanium) 2003 (itanium 2), Base, SP1, SP2 | Professional x64 (AMD/EM64T) Base, SP1, SP2 | Tablet PC Edition 2005, Base
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