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Last week Microsoft posted a security update that fixes a vulnerability in Windows Media Center. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution and affects Windows Vista, Vista with TV Pack and Windows 7. If you have automatic updates enabled you should have the update already if you don’t use the download links

 

Vulnerability in Windows Media Center Could Allow Remote Code Execution (2604926)

Published: Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Version: 1.0

General Information

Executive Summary

This security update resolves a publicly disclosed vulnerability in Windows Media Center. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if an attacker convinces a user to open a legitimate file that is located in the same network directory as a specially crafted dynamic link library (DLL) file. Then, while opening the legitimate file, Windows Media Center could attempt to load the DLL file and execute any code it contained. For an attack to be successful, a user must visit an untrusted remote file system location or WebDAV share and open a legitimate file.

This security update is rated Important for all supported editions of Windows Vista and Windows 7; and Windows Media Center TV Pack for Windows Vista. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.

The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting the manner in which Windows Media Center loads external libraries. For more information about the vulnerability, 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 at the earliest opportunity using update management software, or by checking for updates using the Microsoft Update service.

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 Maximum Security Impact Aggregate Severity Rating Bulletins Replaced by this Update
Windows Vista Service Pack 2[1]
(KB2579686)
Remote Code Execution Important None
Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2[1]
(KB2579686)
Remote Code Execution Important None
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1
(KB2579686)
Remote Code Execution Important None
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1
(KB2579686)
Remote Code Execution Important None

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