Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the targeted system. Updates are available.
Description
Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on a targeted system.
The vulnerability is due to improper handling of Microsoft DVR-MS media files. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit the vulnerability by convincing a user to open a malicious file. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system with the privileges of the user.
Microsoft has confirmed this vulnerability in a security bulletin and released updated software.
Warning Indicators
The following Microsoft systems are affected:
Windows XP Media Center editions 2005 SP3 and prior
Windows XP SP3 and prior
Windows XP Professional x64 editions SP2 and prior
Windows Vista SP2 and prior
Windows Vista x64 editions SP2 and prior
Windows 7 for 32-bit systems SP1 and prior
Windows 7 for x64-based systems SP1 and prior
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based systems SP1 and prior
IntelliShield Analysis
To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker must convince a targeted user to open a malicious file on a vulnerable system. Attackers may provide files to users as attachments to e-mail messages sent to the user or by providing links to files on remote websites or file shares. When opened, the files could trigger the exploit and execute arbitrary code on the system with the privileges of the user.
The Cisco Applied Intelligence team has created an Applied Mitigation Bulletin to address vulnerabilities that Microsoft disclosed in the March 2011 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 2011
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS11-015
Impact
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the targeted system with the privileges of the user. If the user holds elevated privileges, the attacker could execute arbitrary code that may result in a complete system compromise.
Technical Information
The vulnerability is due to improper handling of Microsoft DVR-MS media files.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit the vulnerability by convincing a user to view a malicious media file on an affected system. When viewed, the file could trigger the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the user.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the applicable software 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.
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 affected 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 | Media Center Edition Base | Professional Edition Base, SP1, SP2, SP3 | Professional x64 (AMD/EM64T) SP2
Associated Products:
N/A
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