Vulnerability: MS08-054. Vulnerability in Windows Media Player Could Allow Remote Code Execution (954154)
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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Vulnerability name/brief description | Vulnerability in Windows Media Player Could Allow Remote Code Execution (954154) - MS08-054 |
| CVE/CAN name | CVE-2008-2253 |
| Vendor threat level | Critical |
| SophosLabs threat level | Medium |
| Solution | Users are advised to apply the vendor patch MS08-054.The workaround for this issue is to unregister wmpeffects.dll as follows. On 32-bit Windows-based systems: Regsvr32.exe -u %WINDIR%\system32\wmpeffects.dll On 64-bit Windows-based systems: Regsvr32.exe -u %WINDIR%\syswow64\wmpeffects.dll The only drawback to this workaround is that visualizations in Windows Media Player will no longer function. |
| Vendor description | This security update resolves a privately reported vulnerability in Windows Media Player that could allow remote code execution when a specially crafted audio file is streamed from a Windows Media server. 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. |
| SophosLabs comments | While the vulnerability itself is indeed critical given it can lead to remote code execution, we have given it a reduced threat level. Reasons for this being that a patch is available, as well as simple workaround with very little negative impact. Also contributing to the reduced current threat level is the lack of samples seen exploiting this vulnerability. |
| SophosLabs testing result | N/A |
| Currently known exploits | At the time of writing SophosLabs has seen no samples of malware attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Should this situation change samples will be analysed and we will take action as necessary. |
| First sample seen | N/A |
| Discovery date | 9 September 2008 |
| Affected software | Windows Media Player 11 |
| References | http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms08-054.mspx |
| Credits | N/A |
| Revisions | 10 September 2008 - initial analysis written |
Explanation of terms
Vulnerability Name/Brief Description:
Vendor identifier plus a brief description of the type of attack.
CVE/CAN Name:
Currently assigned CVE name. If a CVE name doesn't exist the CAN name will be used until a CVE has been assigned.
Vendor Threat Level:
Threat level assigned by the vendor
SophosLabs Threat Level:
Threat level assigned by SophosLabs
- LOW RISK - There is little chance of this vulnerability being actively exploited by malware.
- MEDIUM RISK - There is a possibility of this vulnerability being actively exploited by malware.
- HIGH RISK - There is a strong possibility of this vulnerability being actively exploited by malware.
- CRITICAL RISK - This vulnerability will almost certainly be actively exploited by malware.
Solution:
Vendor-supplied Patch identifier and recommended solution, or workaround if applicable.
Vendor Description:
Summary of the cause and potential effect of the vulnerability provided by the vendor.
SophosLabs Comments:
SophosLabs' opinions and observations of the vulnerability in question.
SophosLabs Testing Result:
Details of completed lab testing, if applicable. Please note that the lab test environment may differ significantly from user environments.
Currently Known Exploits:
List of identities for known exploits, if applicable.
First Sample Seen:
Date of the first sample seen by SophosLabs.
Discovery Date:
Date of the earliest known publically disclosed advisory.
Affected Software:
Vulnerable platforms and software versions.
If you need more information or guidance, then please contact technical support.
- Article ID: 45154
- Created: 10 Sep 2008
- Last updated: 21 Oct 2008
