Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code. Updates are available.
Description
Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.
The vulnerability is due to errors in processing malformed compression data in Microsoft Windows Media ASF and WMV files. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to view a malicious media file. If successful, the attacker could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user.
Microsoft has confirmed this vulnerability in a security bulletin and released software updates that correct it.
Warning Indicators
Microsoft media decoder components on the following systems 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 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 7 for 32-bit Systems
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems
IntelliShield Analysis
An attacker cannot directly exploit this vulnerability and instead relies on user interaction to accomplish an exploit. The attacker must convince the user to view a malicious Windows Media file on the system to trigger the vulnerability. The attacker may deliver files to users as attachments to e-mail messages or via links in instant messages that direct users to a website. Attackers are likely to use social engineering techniques in an attempt to convince users to trust the source of the message.
The Cisco Applied Intelligence team has created an Applied Mitigation Bulletin to address vulnerabilities that Microsoft disclosed in the June 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 June 2010
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS10-033
Impact
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user. If the user holds elevated privileges, the attacker could execute code that results in a complete system compromise.
Technical Information
The vulnerability is due to errors in processing malformed compression data in Microsoft Windows Media ASF and WMV files. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to view a malicious file. When opened, the file could trigger memory corruption that the attacker could use to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Users are advised not to open e-mail messages from suspicious or unrecognized sources. If users cannot verify that links or attachments included in e-mail messages are safe, they are advised not to open them.
Users are advised to run applications with the least necessary privileges.
Administrators may consider disabling decoding of MJPEG content by disabling the Quartz.dll library in the Windows registry.
Administrators may consider restricting access to the Windows Media Format runtime wmvcore.dll library to disable playback of vulnerable file types.
Administrators may consider using the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) scan tool to identify common security misconfigurations and missing security updates on system endpoints.
Administrators are advised to monitor critical systems.
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
Associated Products:
N/A
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