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.
This vulnerability is due to insecure library loading by the Windows Media Encoder component. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to view a malicious document. If successful, the attacker could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user.
Microsoft confirmed this vulnerability in a security bulletin and released software updates.
Warning Indicators
The following Microsoft systems are affected:
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 Itanium-based Edition SP2 and prior
Windows 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 Itanium-based Edition SP2 and prior
IntelliShield Analysis
An attacker relies on user interaction to accomplish an exploit of this vulnerability. The attacker must convince a targeted user to view a malicious document on a remote file share. To accomplish this goal, the attacker could supply a link in an e-mail or instant message that directs the user to a malicious file.
Microsoft has released a security advisory that explains insecure library loading vulnerabilities at the following link: 2269637. The .dll preloading behavior has been documented in IntelliShield Alert 21215. This vulnerability is also similar to the vulnerability documented in IntelliShield Alert 21244.
The Cisco Applied Intelligence team has created an Applied Mitigation Bulletin to address vulnerabilities that Microsoft disclosed in the December 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 December 2010
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS10-094
Impact
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of a targeted 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 insecure library loading by the Windows Media Encoder component. When opening a .prx file, the component searches the directory for libraries. As a result, the component may load malicious libraries from a remote directory.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to view a .prx file from a remote file share that contains malicious libraries. When opened, the file could cause the application to load the malicious libraries, which could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system with the privileges of the user.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate software updates.
Users are advised not to visit websites or follow links that have suspicious characteristics or cannot be verified as safe.
Users are advised not to open unsolicited e-mail attachments. Users should verify that attachments are safe before opening them.
Administrators may consider using the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) scan tool to identify common security misconfigurations and missing security updates on system endpoints.
Microsoft has released a a tool that could allows users to modify the insecure library loading behavior at the following link: 2264107
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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