Microsoft Security Bulletin MS15-057 - Critical
Vulnerability in Windows Media Player Could Allow Remote Code Execution (3033890)
Published: June 9, 2015
Version: 1.0
Executive Summary
This security update resolves a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if Windows Media Player opens specially crafted media content that is hosted on a malicious website. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system remotely. 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 Player 10 when installed on Windows Server 2003, Windows Media Player 11 when installed on Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008, and Windows Media Player 12 when installed on Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2. For more information, see the Affected Software section.
The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Windows Media Player handles DataObjects. For more information about the vulnerability, see the Vulnerability Information section.
For more information about this update, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 3033890.
Affected Software
The following software versions or editions are affected. Versions or editions that are not listed are either past their support life cycle or are not affected. To determine the support life cycle for your software version or edition, see Microsoft Support Lifecycle.
| Operating System | Component | Maximum Security Impact | Aggregate Severity Rating | Updates Replaced* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Server 2003 | ||||
| Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 | Windows Media Player 10 (3033890) | Remote Code Execution | Critical | 2378111 in MS10-082 |
| Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | Windows Media Player 10 (3033890) | Remote Code Execution | Critical | 2378111 in MS10-082 |
| Windows Vista | ||||
| Windows Vista Service Pack 2 | Windows Media Player 11 (3033890) | Remote Code Execution | Critical | 2378111 in MS10-082 |
| Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | Windows Media Player 11 (3033890) | Remote Code Execution | Critical | 2378111 in MS10-082 |
| Windows Server 2008 | ||||
| Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 | Windows Media Player 11 (3033890) | Remote Code Execution | Critical | 2378111 in MS10-082 |
| Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 | Windows Media Player 11 (3033890) | Remote Code Execution | Critical | 2378111 in MS10-082 |
| Windows 7 | ||||
| Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 | Windows Media Player 12 (3033890) | Remote Code Execution | Critical | None |
| Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Windows Media Player 12 (3033890) | Remote Code Execution | Critical | None |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 | ||||
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Windows Media Player 12 (3033890) | Remote Code Execution | Critical | None |
*The Updates Replaced column shows only the latest update in a chain of superseded updates. For a comprehensive list of updates replaced, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog, search for the update KB number, and then view update details (updates replaced information is on the Package Details tab).
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 June bulletin summary.
| Vulnerability Severity Rating and Maximum Security Impact by Affected Software | ||
|---|---|---|
| Affected Software | Windows Media Player RCE via DataObject Vulnerability - CVE-2015-1728 | Aggregate Severity Rating |
| Windows Server 2003 | ||
| Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (3033890) | Critical Remote Code Execution | Critical |
| Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2 (3033890) | Critical Remote Code Execution | Critical |
| Windows Vista | ||
| Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (3033890) | Critical Remote Code Execution | Critical |
| Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 (3033890) | Critical Remote Code Execution | Critical |
| Windows Server 2008 | ||
| Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (3033890) | Critical Remote Code Execution | Critical |
| Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (3033890) | Critical Remote Code Execution | Critical |
| Windows 7 | ||
| Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 (3033890) | Critical Remote Code Execution | Critical |
| Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3033890) | Critical Remote Code Execution | Critical |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 | ||
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3033890) | Critical Remote Code Execution | Critical |
Vulnerability Information
Windows Media Player RCE via DataObject Vulnerability - CVE-2015-1728
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that Windows Media Player handles specially crafted DataObjects. 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. 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 exploit this vulnerability a user must open a specially crafted DataObject in Windows Media Player. The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Windows Media Player handles DataObjects.
Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through coordinated vulnerability disclosure. When this security bulletin was originally issued Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers.
Mitigating Factors
Microsoft has not identified any mitigating factors for this vulnerability.
Workarounds
The following workarounds may be helpful in your situation:
Remove wmplayer.exe from the Internet Explorer ElevationPolicy
Warning If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.To remove Windows Media Player from the Internet Explorer ElevationPolicy, follow these steps:
Run regedit.exe and expand the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Low Rights\ElevationPolicySelect {6bf52a52-394a-11d3-b153-00c04f79faa6}.
Click the File menu and select Export.
In the Export Registry File dialog box, type wmplayer.exe_backup.reg, and then click Save.
Click the File menu, select Delete, and then click Yes.
Log off and log on again, or restart the system.
How to undo the workaround.
- Run regedit.exe
- Click the File menu and select Import.
- In the Import Registry File dialog box, select wmplayer.exe_backup.reg, and then click Open.
FAQ
How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
This vulnerability requires that a user open a specially crafted DataObject in Windows Media Player.
In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker would have to host a specially crafted DataObject that is used to attempt to exploit this vulnerability. An attacker would have no way to force users to visit a specially crafted website. Instead, an attacker would have to convince them to visit the website, typically by getting them to click a link in an email message or Instant Messenger message that takes them to the attacker's site.
What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
Any system using an affected version of Windows Media Player is at risk from this vulnerability.
Acknowledgments
Microsoft recognizes the efforts of those in the security community who help us protect customers through coordinated vulnerability disclosure. See Acknowledgments for more information.
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 (June 9, 2015): Bulletin published.
Page generated 2015-06-04 9:11Z-07:00.