Microsoft Windows Media Player Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Date Published : 14 February 2006

Date Last Revised : 14 February 2006

Overview : A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Windows Media Player because of the way that it handles processing bitmap files. An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by constructing a malicious bitmap file (.bmp), specifically a Windows compressed Media skin file (.wmz), that could potentially allow remote code execution if a user visited a malicious Web site or viewed a malicious e-mail message. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system. However, significant user interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability.

This vulnerability has been classified as "High Risk." Computer users should take appropriate action to patch vulnerable systems.

Impact : This vulnerability enables an attacker to execute code on the target system with elevated privileges.

In a Web-based attack scenario, an attacker would have to host a Web site that contains a Web page that is used to attempt to exploit this vulnerability. An attacker would have no way to force users to visit a malicious Web site. Instead, an attacker would have to persuade them to visit the Web site, typically by getting them to click a link that takes them to the attacker's site. It could also be possible to display malicious Web content by using banner advertisements or by using other methods to deliver Web content to affected systems.

In an e-mail attack scenario, an attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending a specially-crafted file to the user and by persuading the user to open the file. Windows Media Player is not the default handler for .bmp files. In order for the exploit to take place, the user would have to save the .bmp file to the desktop and open it using Windows Media Player.

An attacker could also attempt to exploit this vulnerability by embedding a specially crafted Windows Media Player (.wmp) image within another file, such as a Word document and convince a user to open this document.

An attack that is successfully exploited would enable an attacker to install malicious code (worm, virus, Trojan horse), read confidential data, or take control over the target system.

Platforms Affected : Please review the Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-005 for a complete list of affected platforms: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS06-005.mspx

ZoneAlarm Products That Provide Protection : To ensure the most comprehensive protection, computer users should employ ZoneAlarm Security Suite, or ZoneAlarm Pro. Zone Labs products are not vulnerable to this attack. All Zone Labs security products, including ZoneAlarm, protect the user's system from unauthorized access and intrusions, and alert the user when malicious code attempts to access the network.

Recommended Actions :

ZoneAlarm Family

ZoneAlarm Pro and ZoneAlarm Security Suite protect your system against this vulnerability through "Internet Zone Security" and "Trusted Zone Security". It is recommended that you ensure the following:

• Internet Zone Security is set to High.
• Trusted Zone Security is set to Medium.
• Only trusted hosts are in the 'Trusted' Zone
• Block both inbound and outbound *.wmz emails using E-Mail Protection.

Check Point Integrity

Check Point Integrity protects your system against this vulnerability through the following available services:

-Classic Firewall Rules

It is recommended that you ensure:

• Only trusted hosts are in the 'Trusted' Zone.

-SmartDefense Program Advisor

SmartDefense Program Advisor automatically blocks malware. It is recommended that you ensure the following:

• Internet Zone Security is set to High.
• Trusted Zone Security is set to Medium.

For more information about activating SmartDefense Program Advisor, please refer to CPSA-2005-10 .

-Advanced Cooperative Enforcement

• Use Advanced Cooperative Enforcement to enforce policy upon remote endpoints.

-MailSafe Protection

• Block both inbound and outbound *.wmz emails using MailSafe Protection

Related Resources :

Install Microsoft patches to remove this vulnerability from the Windows Operating System and other software components: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

Review Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-005: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS06-005.mspx

Contact : Zone Labs customers who are concerned about information contained in this advisory or have additional technical questions may reach Zone Labs Technical Support team at: http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/support/support.jsp To report security issues with Zone Labs products, contact security@zonelabs.com

Disclaimer : The information in this advisory is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on, this information.

Copyright : © 1999-2006 Zone Labs, L.L.C., A Check Point Software Technologies Company. All rights reserved. Zone Labs and Zone Labs products are registered trademarks of Zone Labs and/or affiliated companies in the United States and other countries. All other registered and unregistered trademarks represented in this document are the sole property of their respective companies/owners.

Any reproduction of this advisory other than as an unmodified copy of this file requires authorization from Zone Labs. Permission to electronically redistribute this advisory in its unmodified form is granted. All other rights, including the use of other media, are reserved by Zone Labs.