SecurityvulnsSECURITYVULNS:DOC:22428Microsoft Security Bulletin MS09-047 - Critical Vulnerabilities in Windows Media Format Could Allow Remote Code Execution (973812)
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS09-047 - Critical
Vulnerabilities in Windows Media Format Could Allow Remote Code Execution (973812)
Published: September 08, 2009
Version: 1.0
General Information
Executive Summary
This security update resolves two privately reported vulnerabilities in Windows Media Format. Either vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user opened a specially crafted media file. If a user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
This security update is rated Critical for Windows Media Format Runtime 9.0, Windows Media Format Runtime 9.5, Windows Media Format Runtime 11, Microsoft Media Foundation, Windows Media Services 9.1, and Windows Media Services 2008. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.
The security update addresses the vulnerabilities by modifying the way that Windows Media Format Runtime parses Advanced Systems Format (ASF) files and MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3) files. For more information about the vulnerabilities, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) subsection for the specific vulnerability entry under the next section, Vulnerability Information.
Recommendation. The majority of customers have automatic updating enabled and will not need to take any action because this security update will be downloaded and installed automatically. Customers who have not enabled automatic updating need to check for updates and install this update manually. For information about specific configuration options in automatic updating, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 294871.
For administrators and enterprise installations, or end users who want to install this security update manually, Microsoft recommends that customers apply the update immediately using update management software, or by checking for updates using the Microsoft Update service.
See also the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, later in this bulletin.
Known Issues. Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 973812 documents the currently known issues that customers may experience when installing this security update. The article also documents recommended solutions for these issues.
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Affected and Non-Affected Software
The following software have been tested to determine which versions or editions are affected. Other versions or editions are either past their support life cycle or are not affected. To determine the support life cycle for your software version or edition, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle.
Affected Software
Operating System Component Maximum Security Impact Aggregate Severity Rating Bulletins Replaced by this Update
Windows Media Format Runtime
Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4
Windows Media Format Runtime 9.0
(KB968816)
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-076
Windows XP Service Pack 2
Windows Media Format Runtime 9.0, Windows Media Format Runtime 9.5, and Windows Media Format Runtime 11
(KB968816)
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-076
Windows XP Service Pack 3
Windows Media Format Runtime 9.0, Windows Media Format Runtime 9.5, and Windows Media Format Runtime 11
(KB968816)
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-076
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Windows Media Format Runtime 9.5
(KB968816)
Windows Media Format Runtime 9.5 x64 Edition
(KB968816)
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-076
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Windows Media Format Runtime 11
(KB968816)
Remote Code Execution
Critical
None
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
Windows Media Format Runtime 9.5
(KB968816)
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-076
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Windows Media Format Runtime 9.5
(KB968816)
Windows Media Format Runtime 9.5 x64 Edition
(KB968816)
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-076
Windows Vista, Windows Vista Service Pack 1, and Windows Vista Service Pack 2
Windows Media Format Runtime 11 and Microsoft Media Foundation
(KB968816)
Remote Code Execution
Critical
None
Windows Vista x64 Edition, Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1, and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Windows Media Format Runtime 11 and Microsoft Media Foundation
(KB968816)
Remote Code Execution
Critical
None
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2**
Windows Media Format Runtime 11 and Microsoft Media Foundation
(KB968816)
Remote Code Execution
Critical
None
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2**
Windows Media Format Runtime 11 and Microsoft Media Foundation
(KB968816)
Remote Code Execution
Critical
None
Windows Media Services
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
Windows Media Services 9.1
(KB972554)
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-076
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Windows Media Services 9.1
(KB972554)
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-076
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2*
Windows Media Services 2008
(KB972554)
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-076
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2*
Windows Media Services 2008
(KB972554)
Remote Code Execution
Critical
MS08-076
*Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected. For supported editions of Windows Server 2008, this update applies, with the same severity rating, whether or not Windows Server 2008 was installed using the Server Core installation option. For more information on this installation option, see Server Core. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.
**Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected. The vulnerability addressed by this update does not affect supported editions of Windows Server 2008 if Windows Server 2008 was installed using the Server Core installation option. For more information on this installation option, see Server Core. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.
Non-Affected Software
Operating System
Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2
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
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update
Where are the file information details?
Refer to the reference tables in the Security Update Deployment section for the location of the file information details.
What is Microsoft Media Foundation?
Microsoft Media Foundation is a default component included in Windows Vista and later which allows applications to play or capture digital media.
Why does this update address several reported security vulnerabilities?
This update contains support for several vulnerabilities because the modifications that are required to address these issues are located in related files. Instead of having to install several updates that are almost the same, customers need to install this update only.
I am using an older release of the software discussed in this security bulletin. What should I do?
The affected software listed in this bulletin have been tested to determine which releases are affected. Other releases are past their support life cycle. To determine the support life cycle for your software release, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle.
It should be a priority for customers who have older releases of the software to migrate to supported releases to prevent potential exposure to vulnerabilities. For more information about the Windows Product Lifecycle, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle. For more information about the extended security update support period for these software versions or editions, visit Microsoft Product Support Services.
Customers who require custom support for older releases must contact their Microsoft account team representative, their Technical Account Manager, or the appropriate Microsoft partner representative for custom support options. Customers without an Alliance, Premier, or Authorized Contract can contact their local Microsoft sales office. For contact information, visit Microsoft Worldwide Information, select the country, and then click Go to see a list of telephone numbers. When you call, ask to speak with the local Premier Support sales manager. For more information, see the Windows Operating System Product Support Lifecycle FAQ.
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Vulnerability Information
Severity Ratings and Vulnerability Identifiers
The following severity ratings assume the potential maximum impact of the vulnerability. For information regarding the likelihood, within 30 days of this security bulletin's release, of the exploitability of the vulnerability in relation to its severity rating and security impact, please see the Exploitability Index in the September bulletin summary. For more information, see Microsoft Exploitability Index.
Vulnerability Severity Rating and Maximum Security Impact by Affected Software
Affected Software Windows Media Header Parsing Invalid Free Vulnerability - CVE-2009-2498 Windows Media Playback Memory Corruption Vulnerability - CVE-2009-2499 Aggregate Severity Rating
Windows Media Format Runtime
Windows Media Format Runtime 9.0 when installed on Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Windows Media Format Runtime 9.0 on Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Service Pack 3
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Windows Media Format Runtime 9.5 and Windows Media Format Runtime 11 when installed on Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Service Pack 3
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Windows Media Format Runtime 9.5 on Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Windows Media Format Runtime 9.5 x64 Edition and Windows Media Format Runtime 11 when installed on Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Windows Media Format Runtime 9.5 on Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Windows Media Format Runtime 9.5 on Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Windows Media Format Runtime 9.5 x64 Edition when installed on Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Windows Media Format Runtime 11 on Windows Vista, Windows Vista Service Pack 1, and Windows Vista Service Pack 2
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Microsoft Media Foundation on Windows Vista, Windows Vista Service Pack 1, and Windows Vista Service Pack 2
Not applicable
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Windows Media Format Runtime 11 on Windows Vista x64 Edition, Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1, and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Microsoft Media Foundation on Windows Vista x64 Edition, Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1, and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Not applicable
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Windows Media Format Runtime 11 on Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2**
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Microsoft Media Foundation on Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2**
Not applicable
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Windows Media Format Runtime 11 on Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2**
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Microsoft Media Foundation on Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2**
Not applicable
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Critical
Windows Media Services
Windows Media Services 9.1 on Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Not applicable
Critical
Windows Media Services 9.1 on Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Not applicable
Critical
Windows Media Services 2008 on Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2*
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Not applicable
Critical
Windows Media Services 2008 on Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2*
Critical
Remote Code Execution
Not applicable
Critical
*Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected. For supported editions of Windows Server 2008, this update applies, with the same severity rating, whether or not Windows Server 2008 was installed using the Server Core installation option. For more information on this installation option, see Server Core. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.
**Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected. The vulnerability addressed by this update does not affect supported editions of Windows Server 2008 if Windows Server 2008 was installed using the Server Core installation option. For more information on this installation option, see Server Core. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.
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Windows Media Header Parsing Invalid Free Vulnerability - CVE-2009-2498
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that Microsoft Windows handles specially crafted ASF format files. This vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user opened a specially crafted file. If a user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
To view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2009-2498.
Mitigating Factors for Windows Media Header Parsing Invalid Free Vulnerability - CVE-2009-2498
Mitigation refers to a setting, common configuration, or general best-practice, existing in a default state, that could reduce the severity of exploitation of a vulnerability. The following mitigating factors may be helpful in your situation:
•
By default, Internet Explorer on Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008 runs in a restricted mode that is known as Enhanced Security Configuration. This mode mitigates this vulnerability. See the FAQ section of this security update for more information about Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration.
•
An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the local user. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
•
In a Web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a Web site that contains a Web page that is used to exploit this vulnerability. In addition, compromised Web sites and Web sites that accept or host user-provided content or advertisements could contain specially crafted content that could exploit this vulnerability. In all cases, however, an attacker would have no way to force users to visit these Web sites. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to visit the Web site, typically by getting them to click a link in an e-mail message or Instant Messenger message that takes users to the attacker’s Web site.
•
The malicious file could be sent as an e-mail attachment, but the attacker would have to convince the user to open the attachment in order to exploit the vulnerability.
•
Windows Media Services is an optional component on all Windows Platforms and is not installed by default.
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Workarounds for Windows Media Header Parsing Invalid Free Vulnerability - CVE-2009-2498
Workaround refers to a setting or configuration change that does not correct the underlying vulnerability but would help block known attack vectors before you apply the update. Microsoft has tested the following workarounds and states in the discussion whether a workaround reduces functionality:
Restrict access to wmvcore.dll
For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows XP:
Run the following command from a command prompt:
cacls %SystemRoot%\System32\wmvcore.dll /E /P everyone:N
Impact of workaround. You will not be able to play media files in Windows Explorer or in Windows Media Player.
How to undo the workaround.
Run the following command from a command prompt:
cacls %SystemRoot%\System32\wmvcore.dll /E /R everyone
For all supported x64-based editions of Windows XP:
Run the following command from a command prompt:
cacls %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\wmvcore.dll /E /P everyone:N
Impact of workaround. You will not be able to play media files in Windows Explorer or in Windows Media Player.
How to undo the workaround.
Run the following command from a command prompt:
cacls %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\wmvcore.dll /E /R everyone
For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008:
Run the following command from an elevated administrator command prompt:
takeown /f %SystemRoot%\System32\wmvcore.dll
cacls %SystemRoot%\System32\wmvcore.dll /E /P everyone:N
Impact of workaround. You will not be able to play media files in Windows Explorer or in Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player exits with an error.
How to undo the workaround.
Run the following command from an elevated administrator command prompt:
cacls %SystemRoot%\System32\wmvcore.dll /E /R everyone
For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008:
Run the following command from an elevated administrator command prompt:
takeown /f %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\wmvcore.dll
cacls %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\wmvcore.dll /E /P everyone:N
Impact of workaround.You will not be able to play media files in Windows Explorer or in Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player exits with an error.
How to undo the workaround.
Run the following command from an elevated administrator command prompt:
cacls %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\wmvcore.dll /E /R everyone
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FAQ for Windows Media Header Parsing Invalid Free Vulnerability - CVE-2009-2498
What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is a remote code execution vulnerability. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system remotely. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.
What causes the vulnerability?
The Windows component responsible for processing ASF files does not properly handle specially crafted ASF files with malformed headers.
What is Windows Media Format Runtime?
The Microsoft Windows Media Format Runtime provides information and tools for applications that use Windows Media content.
What is Advanced Systems Format (ASF)?
ASF is a file format that stores audio and video information and is specially designed to run over networks like the Internet. It is a compressed format that can contain streaming audio, video, slide shows, and synchronized events. ASF enables content to be delivered to you as a continuous flow of data. ASF files may have the file extensions ASF, WMV, or WMA.
What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
If a user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
Exploitation of this vulnerability requires that a user open a specially crafted ASF file or receive specially crafted streaming content from a Web site or any application that delivers Web content.
What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
This vulnerability requires that a user is logged on and opens the specially crafted ASF file in any Windows Media Format Runtime-based application for any malicious action to occur. Therefore, any systems where Windows Media Format Runtime or Windows Media Server is used frequently, such as workstations or terminal servers, are at the most risk from this vulnerability.
I am running Internet Explorer for Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008. Does this mitigate this vulnerability?
Yes. By default, Internet Explorer on Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008 runs in a restricted mode that is known as Enhanced Security Configuration. Enhanced Security Configuration is a group of preconfigured settings in Internet Explorer that can reduce the likelihood of a user or administrator downloading and running specially crafted Web content on a server. This is a mitigating factor for Web sites that you have not added to the Internet Explorer Trusted sites zone. See also Managing Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration.
What does the update do?
The update removes the vulnerability by modifying the way that Windows Media Format Runtime parses Advanced Systems Format (ASF) files.
When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
No. Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through responsible disclosure.
When this security bulletin was issued, had Microsoft received any reports that this vulnerability was being exploited?
No. Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers and had not seen any examples of proof of concept code published when this security bulletin was originally issued.
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Windows Media Playback Memory Corruption Vulnerability - CVE-2009-2499
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that Microsoft Windows handles MP3 media files. This vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user opened a specially crafted file. If a user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
To view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2009-2499.
Mitigating Factors for Windows Media Playback Memory Corruption Vulnerability - CVE-2009-2499
Mitigation refers to a setting, common configuration, or general best-practice, existing in a default state, that could reduce the severity of exploitation of a vulnerability. The following mitigating factors may be helpful in your situation:
•
By default, Internet Explorer on Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008 runs in a restricted mode that is known as Enhanced Security Configuration. This mode mitigates this vulnerability. See the FAQ section of this security update for more information about Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration.
•
An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the local user. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
•
In a Web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a Web site that contains a Web page that is used to exploit this vulnerability. In addition, compromised Web sites and Web sites that accept or host user-provided content or advertisements could contain specially crafted content that could exploit this vulnerability. In all cases, however, an attacker would have no way to force users to visit these Web sites. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to visit the Web site, typically by getting them to click a link in an e-mail message or Instant Messenger message that takes users to the attacker’s Web site.
•
The malicious file could be sent as an e-mail attachment, but the attacker would have to convince the user to open the attachment in order to exploit the vulnerability.
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Workarounds for Windows Media Playback Memory Corruption Vulnerability - CVE-2009-2499
Workaround refers to a setting or configuration change that does not correct the underlying vulnerability but would help block known attack vectors before you apply the update. Microsoft has tested the following workarounds and states in the discussion whether a workaround reduces functionality:
Restrict access to wmvcore.dll and mf.dll
For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows XP:
Run the following command from a command prompt:
cacls %SystemRoot%\System32\wmvcore.dll /E /P everyone:N
Impact of workaround. You will not be able to play media files in Windows Explorer or in Windows Media Player.
How to undo the workaround.
Run the following command from a command prompt:
cacls %SystemRoot%\System32\wmvcore.dll /E /R everyone
For all supported x64-based editions of Windows XP:
Run the following command from a command prompt:
cacls %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\wmvcore.dll /E /P everyone:N
Impact of workaround. You will not be able to play media files in Windows Explorer or in Windows Media Player.
How to undo the workaround.
Run the following command from a command prompt:
cacls %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\wmvcore.dll /E /Reveryone
For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008:
Run the following command from an elevated administrator command prompt:
takeown /f %SystemRoot%\System32\wmvcore.dll
cacls %SystemRoot%\System32\wmvcore.dll /E /P everyone:N
takeown /f %SystemRoot%\System32\mf.dll
cacls %SystemRoot%\System32\mf.dll /E /P everyone:N
Impact of workaround. You will not be able to play media files in Windows Explorer or in Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player exits with an error.
How to undo the workaround.
Run the following command from an elevated administrator command prompt:
cacls %SystemRoot%\System32\wmvcore.dll /E /R everyone
cacls %SystemRoot%\System32\mf.dll /E /R everyone
For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008:
Run the following command from an elevated administrator command prompt:
takeown /f %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\wmvcore.dll
cacls %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\wmvcore.dll /E /R everyone:N
takeown /f %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\mf.dll
cacls %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\mf.dll /E /P everyone:N
Impact of workaround. You will not be able to play media files in Windows Explorer or in Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player exits with an error.
How to undo the workaround.
Run the following command from an elevated administrator command prompt:
cacls %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\wmvcore.dll /E /R everyone
cacls %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\mf.dll /E /R everyone
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FAQ for Windows Media Playback Memory Corruption Vulnerability - CVE-2009-2499
What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is a remote code execution vulnerability. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system remotely. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.
What causes the vulnerability?
The Windows component responsible for processing MP3 files does not properly handle specially crafted metadata.
What is Windows Media Format Runtime?
The Microsoft Windows Media Format Runtime provides information and tools for applications that use Windows Media content.
What is MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3)?
MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 is a file format which uses lossy compression to compress audio information. Lossy compression is a technique in which decompressed data may be different from the data initially compressed, but similar enough to be parsed and represented. It is common in audio applications such as streaming media.
What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
If a user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
Exploitation of this vulnerability requires that a user open a specially crafted MP3 file or receive specially crafted streaming content from a Web site or any application that delivers Web content.
What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
This vulnerability requires that a user is logged on and opens the specially crafted MP3 file in any Windows Media Format Runtime-based application for any malicious action to occur. Therefore, any systems where Windows Media Format Runtime is used frequently, such as workstations or terminal servers, are at the most risk from this vulnerability.
I am running Internet Explorer for Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008. Does this mitigate this vulnerability?
Yes. By default, Internet Explorer on Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008 runs in a restricted mode that is known as Enhanced Security Configuration. Enhanced Security Configuration is a group of preconfigured settings in Internet Explorer that can reduce the likelihood of a user or administrator downloading and running specially crafted Web content on a server. This is a mitigating factor for Web sites that you have not added to the Internet Explorer Trusted sites zone. See also Managing Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration
What does the update do?
The update removes the vulnerability by modifying the way that Windows Media Format Runtime parses MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3) files.
When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
No. Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through responsible disclosure.
When this security bulletin was issued, had Microsoft received any reports that this vulnerability was being exploited?
No. Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers and had not seen any examples of proof of concept code published when this security bulletin was originally issued.
Other Information
Acknowledgments
Microsoft thanks the following for working with us to help protect customers:
•
Peter Winter-Smith of NGS Software for reporting the Windows Media Header Parsing Invalid Free Vulnerability (CVE-2009-2498)
•
Hiroshi Noguchi of Alice Carroll fan club for reporting the Windows Media Playback Memory Corruption Vulnerability (CVE-2009-2499)
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Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP)
To improve security protections for customers, Microsoft provides vulnerability information to major security software providers in advance of each monthly security update release. Security software providers can then use this vulnerability information to provide updated protections to customers via their security software or devices, such as antivirus, network-based intrusion detection systems, or host-based intrusion prevention systems. To determine whether active protections are available from security software providers, please visit the active protections Web sites provided by program partners, listed in Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) Partners.
Support
•
Customers in the U.S. and Canada can receive technical support from Security Support or 1-866-PCSAFETY. There is no charge for support calls that are associated with security updates. For more information about available support options, see Microsoft Help and Support.
•
International customers can receive support from their local Microsoft subsidiaries. There is no charge for support that is associated with security updates. For more information about how to contact Microsoft for support issues, visit the International Support Web site.
Disclaimer
The information provided in the Microsoft Knowledge Base is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Microsoft disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, loss of business profits or special damages, even if Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages so the foregoing limitation may not apply.
Revisions
•
V1.0 (September 8, 2009): Bulletin published.
Related
