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Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-026 - Critical

Vulnerability in Microsoft MPEG Layer-3 Codecs Could Allow Remote Code Execution (977816)

Published: April 13, 2010

Version: 1.0

General Information

Executive Summary

This security update resolves a privately reported vulnerability in Microsoft MPEG Layer-3 audio codecs. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user opened a specially crafted AVI file containing an MPEG Layer-3 audio stream. 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 all supported editions of Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 (except Itanium-based editions), and Windows Server 2008 (except Itanium-based editions). For all supported editions of Windows Vista, this security update is rated Important. Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008, and all supported editions of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, are not affected by the vulnerability. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.

The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting the way that the Microsoft MPEG Layer-3 audio codecs decode the MPEG Layer-3 audio stream in specially crafted AVI files. 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 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. None

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 SystemComponentMaximum Security ImpactAggregate Severity RatingBulletins Replaced by this Update

Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4

MPEG Layer-3 codecs

Remote Code Execution

Critical

None

Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Service Pack 3

MPEG Layer-3 codecs

Remote Code Execution

Critical

None

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

MPEG Layer-3 codecs

Remote Code Execution

Critical

None

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

MPEG Layer-3 codecs

Remote Code Execution

Critical

None

Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

MPEG Layer-3 codecs

Remote Code Execution

Critical

None

Windows Vista, Windows Vista Service Pack 1, and Windows Vista Service Pack 2

MPEG Layer-3 codecs

Remote Code Execution

Important

None

Windows Vista x64 Edition, Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1, and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

MPEG Layer-3 codecs

Remote Code Execution

Important

None

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2**

MPEG Layer-3 codecs

Remote Code Execution

Critical

None

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2**

MPEG Layer-3 codecs

Remote Code Execution

Critical

None

**Server Core installation not affected. The vulnerability addressed by this update does not affect supported editions of Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 as indicated, when installed using the Server Core installation option. For more information on this installation option, see the MSDN articles, Server Core and Server Core for Windows Server 2008 R2. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2; 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

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.

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. For more information about the product lifecycle, visit the Microsoft Support Lifecycle Web site.

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. To determine the support lifecycle for your software release, see Select a Product for Lifecycle Information. For more information about service packs for these software releases, see Lifecycle Supported Service Packs.

Customers who require custom support for older software 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 the Microsoft Worldwide Information Web site, select the country in the Contact Information list, 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 Microsoft Support Lifecycle Policy FAQ.

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 April bulletin summary. For more information, see Microsoft Exploitability Index.

Vulnerability Severity Rating and Maximum Security Impact by Affected Software
Affected SoftwareMPEG Layer-3 Audio Decoder Stack Overflow Vulnerability - CVE-2010-0480Aggregate Severity Rating

MPEG Layer-3 codecs on Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4

Critical 
Remote Code Execution

Critical

MPEG Layer-3 codecs on Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Service Pack 3

Critical 
Remote Code Execution

Critical

MPEG Layer-3 codecs on Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Critical 
Remote Code Execution

Critical

MPEG Layer-3 codecs on Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

Critical 
Remote Code Execution

Critical

MPEG Layer-3 codecs on Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Critical 
Remote Code Execution

Critical

MPEG Layer-3 codecs on Windows Vista, Windows Vista Service Pack 1, and Windows Vista Service Pack 2

Important 
Remote Code Execution

Important

MPEG Layer-3 codecs on Windows Vista x64 Edition, Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1, and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Important 
Remote Code Execution

Important

MPEG Layer-3 codecs on Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2**

Critical 
Remote Code Execution

Critical

MPEG Layer-3 codecs on Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2**

Critical 
Remote Code Execution

Critical

**Server Core installation not affected. The vulnerability addressed by this update does not affect supported editions of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 when installed using the Server Core installation option. For more information on this installation option, see the MSDN articles, Server Core and Server Core for Windows Server 2008 R2. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.

MPEG Layer-3 Audio Decoder Stack Overflow Vulnerability - CVE-2010-0480

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that Microsoft MPEG Layer-3 codecs handle AVI media files. This vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user opened a specially crafted AVI file containing an MPEG Layer-3 audio stream. 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-2010-0480.

Mitigating Factors for MPEG Layer-3 Audio Decoder Stack Overflow Vulnerability - CVE-2010-0480

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:

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 vulnerability cannot be exploited automatically through e-mail. For an attack to be successful, a user must open an attachment that is sent in an e-mail message.

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.

Although the vulnerable codec is present on Windows Vista systems, by default Windows Media Player on Windows Vista does not use the vulnerable codec for decoding AVI files containing an MPEG Layer-3 audio stream. A different, non-vulnerable codec is used instead.

Workarounds for MPEG Layer-3 Audio Decoder Stack Overflow Vulnerability - CVE-2010-0480

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 the MPEG Layer-3 audio codecs

An administrator can apply an access control list to the codecs to ensure that they can no longer be loaded. This effectively prevents exploitation of the vulnerability using this attack vector.

To restrict access to the codecs:

For all supported editions of Microsoft Windows 2000 and all supported 32-bit editions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, run the following commands from a command prompt:

cacls "%windir%\system32\l3codeca.acm" /E /P everyone:N

cacls "%windir%\system32\l3codecx.ax" /E /P everyone:N

For all supported 64-bit editions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, run the following commands from a command prompt:

cacls "%windir%\system32\l3codeca.acm" /E /P everyone:N

cacls "%windir%\system32\l3codecx.ax" /E /P everyone:N

cacls "%windir%\SysWow64\l3codeca.acm" /E /P everyone:N

cacls "%windir%\SysWow64\l3codecx.ax" /E /P everyone:N

For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, run the following commands from an elevated command prompt:

takeown /f "%windir%\system32\l3codeca.acm"

cacls "%windir%\system32\l3codeca.acm" /E /P everyone:N

takeown /f "%windir%\system32\l3codecp.acm"

cacls "%windir%\system32\l3codecp.acm" /E /P everyone:N

For all supported 64-bit editions of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, run the following commands from an elevated command prompt:

takeown /f "%windir%\system32\l3codeca.acm"

cacls "%windir%\system32\l3codeca.acm" /E /P everyone:N

takeown /f "%windir%\system32\l3codecp.acm"

cacls "%windir%\system32\l3codecp.acm" /E /P everyone:N

takeown /f "%windir%\syswow64\l3codeca.acm"

cacls "%windir%\SysWow64\l3codeca.acm" /E /P everyone:N

takeown /f "%windir%\syswow64\l3codecp.acm"

cacls "%windir%\SysWow64\l3codecp.acm" /E /P everyone:N

Impact of workaround. MPEG Layer-3 audio encoded files will not play.

How to undo the workaround.

For all supported editions of Microsoft Windows 2000 and all supported 32-bit editions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, run the following commands from a command prompt:

cacls "%windir%\system32\l3codeca.acm" /E /R everyone

cacls "%windir%\system32\l3codecx.ax" /E /R everyone

For all supported 64-bit editions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, run the following commands from a command prompt:

cacls "%windir%\system32\l3codeca.acm" /E /R everyone

cacls "%windir%\system32\l3codecx.ax" /E /R everyone

cacls "%windir%\SysWow64\l3codeca.acm" /E /R everyone

cacls "%windir%\SysWow64\l3codecx.ax" /E /R everyone

For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, run the following commands from an elevated command prompt:

cacls "%windir%\system32\l3codeca.acm" /E /R everyone

cacls "%windir%\system32\l3codecp.acm" /E /R everyone

For all supported 64-bit editions of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, run the following commands from an elevated command prompt:

cacls "%windir%\system32\l3codeca.acm" /E /R everyone

cacls "%windir%\system32\l3codecp.acm" /E /R everyone

cacls "%windir%\SysWow64\l3codeca.acm" /E /R everyone

cacls "%windir%\SysWow64\l3codecp.acm" /E /R everyone

FAQ for MPEG Layer-3 Audio Decoder Stack Overflow Vulnerability - CVE-2010-0480

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 Microsoft MPEG Layer-3 audio codecs do not properly handle specially crafted AVI files containing an MPEG Layer-3 audio stream.

What are the vulnerable Microsoft MPEG Layer-3 audio codecs? 
The vulnerable MPEG Layer-3 audio codecs are the MPEG Layer-3 Audio Codec for Microsoft DirectShow (l3codecx.ax) and the Fraunhofer IIS MPEG Layer-3 ACM codecs (L3codeca.acm and L3codecp.acm). These MPEG Layer-3 audio codecs are delivered as part of Windows Media. For more information, see the home page, Window Media.

What is a codec? 
A codec is software that is used to compress or decompress a digital media file, such as a song or video. Windows Media Player and other programs use codecs to play and create digital media files.

A codec can consist of two components: an encoder and a decoder. The encoder performs the compression (encoding) function and the decoder performs the decompression (decoding) function. Some codecs include both of these components and some codecs include only one.

For example, when you transfer a song from an audio CD to your computer, the Windows Media Player uses the Windows Media Audio codec by default to compress the song into a compact WMA file. When you play that WMA file (or any WMA file that might be streamed from a Web site), Windows Media Player uses the Windows Media Audio codec to decompress the file so the music can be played through your speakers.

What is an AVI media file? 
Audio Video Interleave (AVI) is a multimedia container format that uses the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF). AVI is defined by Microsoft. The .avi file format is a common format for audio and video data on a computer.

Audio content or video content that is compressed with a wide variety of codecs can be stored in an .avi container file and played in Windows Media Player, if the appropriate codecs are installed on the computer.

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.

How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability? 
This vulnerability requires that a user open a specially crafted AVI file or receive specially crafted streaming content from a Web site or any application that delivers Web content.

In a Web-based attack scenario, an attacker would have to host a Web site that contains specially crafted content that is used to attempt to exploit this vulnerability. In addition, compromised Web sites and Web sites that accept or host user-provided content could contain specially crafted content that could exploit this vulnerability. An attacker would have no way to force users to visit a specially crafted Web site. Instead, an attacker would have to convince them to visit the Web site, typically by getting them to click a link in an e-mail message or Instant Messenger message that takes them to the attacker's site.

In an e-mail attack scenario, an attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending a media file with a specially crafted AVI file embedded in it to the user and by convincing a user to open the media file.

What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability? 
Workstations and terminal servers are primarily at risk. Servers could be at more risk if users who should not have sufficient administrative permissions are given the ability to log on to servers and to run programs. However, best practices strongly discourage allowing this.

What does the update do? 
The update addresses the issue by correcting the way that the Microsoft MPEG Layer-3 audio codecs handle the MPEG Layer-3 audio stream in specially crafted AVI 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 when this security bulletin was originally issued.

Update Information

Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance

Manage the software and security updates you need to deploy to the servers, desktop, and mobile systems in your organization. For more information see the TechNet Update Management Center. The Microsoft TechNet Security Web site provides additional information about security in Microsoft products.

Security updates are available from Microsoft Update and Windows Update. Security updates are also available from the Microsoft Download Center. You can find them most easily by doing a keyword search for "security update."

Finally, security updates can be downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The Microsoft Update Catalog provides a searchable catalog of content made available through Windows Update and Microsoft Update, including security updates, drivers and service packs. By searching using the security bulletin number (such as, "MS07-036"), you can add all of the applicable updates to your basket (including different languages for an update), and download to the folder of your choosing. For more information about the Microsoft Update Catalog, see the Microsoft Update Catalog FAQ.

Note Microsoft discontinued support for Office Update and the Office Update Inventory Tool as of August 1, 2009. To continue getting the latest updates for Microsoft Office products, use Microsoft Update. For more information, see About Microsoft Office Update: Frequently Asked Questions.

Detection and Deployment Guidance

Microsoft provides detection and deployment guidance for security updates. This guidance contains recommendations and information that can help IT professionals understand how to use various tools for detection and deployment of security updates. For more information, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 961747.

Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer

Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) allows administrators to scan local and remote systems for missing security updates as well as common security misconfigurations. For more information about MBSA, visit Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer.

The following table provides the MBSA detection summary for this security update.

Software MBSA 2.1.1

Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4

Yes

Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Service Pack 3

Yes

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Yes

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

Yes

Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Yes

Windows Vista, Windows Vista Service Pack 1, and Windows Vista Service Pack 2

Yes

Windows Vista x64 Edition, Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1, and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Yes

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

Yes

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

Yes

The latest version of MBSA has been released: Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer 2.1.1. For more information, see Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer 2.1.

Windows Server Update Services

By using Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), administrators can deploy the latest critical updates and security updates for Microsoft Windows 2000 operating systems and later, Office XP and later, Exchange Server 2003, and SQL Server 2000. For more information about how to deploy this security update using Windows Server Update Services, visit the Windows Server Update Services Web site.

Systems Management Server

The following table provides the SMS detection and deployment summary for this security update.

SoftwareSMS 2.0SMS 2003 with SUITSMS 2003 with ITMUConfiguration Manager 2007

Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Service Pack 3

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

No

No

Yes

Yes

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

No

No

Yes

Yes

Windows Vista, Windows Vista Service Pack 1, and Windows Vista Service Pack 2

No

No

Yes

Yes

Windows Vista x64 Edition, Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1, and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

No

No

Yes

Yes

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

No

No

Yes

Yes

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

No

No

Yes

Yes

For SMS 2.0 and SMS 2003, the Security Update Inventory Tool (SUIT) can be used by SMS to detect security updates. See also Downloads for Systems Management Server 2.0.

For SMS 2003, the SMS 2003 Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates (ITMU) can be used by SMS to detect security updates that are offered by Microsoft Update and that are supported by Windows Server Update Services. For more information about the SMS 2003 ITMU, see SMS 2003 Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates. For more information about SMS scanning tools, see SMS 2003 Software Update Scanning Tools. See also Downloads for Systems Management Server 2003.

System Center Configuration Manager 2007 uses WSUS 3.0 for detection of updates. For more information about Configuration Manager 2007 Software Update Management, visit System Center Configuration Manager 2007.

For more information about SMS, visit the SMS Web site.

For more detailed information, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 910723: Summary list of monthly detection and deployment guidance articles.

Update Compatibility Evaluator and Application Compatibility Toolkit

Updates often write to the same files and registry settings required for your applications to run. This can trigger incompatibilities and increase the time it takes to deploy security updates. You can streamline testing and validating Windows updates against installed applications with the Update Compatibility Evaluator components included with Application Compatibility Toolkit.

The Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) contains the necessary tools and documentation to evaluate and mitigate application compatibility issues before deploying Microsoft Windows Vista, a Windows Update, a Microsoft Security Update, or a new version of Windows Internet Explorer in your environment.

Security Update Deployment

Affected Software

For information about the specific security update for your affected software, click the appropriate link:

Windows 2000 (all editions)

Reference Table

The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, Deployment Information, in this section.

Inclusion in Future Service Packs

The update for this issue may be included in a future update rollup

Deployment

 

Installing without user intervention

Windows2000-WindowsMedia-KB977816-x86-ENU /quiet

Installing without restarting

Windows2000-WindowsMedia-KB977816-x86-ENU /norestart

Update log file

KB977816.log

Further information

See the subsection, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance

Restart Requirement

 

Restart required?

Yes, you must restart your system after you apply this security update.

HotPatching

Not applicable

Removal Information

Use Add or Remove Programs tool in Control Panel or the Spuninst.exe utility located in the %Windir%\$NTUninstallKB977816_wm9$\Spuninst folder

File Information

See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 977816

Registry Key Verification

Both the following keys are created:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\Windows Media Player\KB977816_WM9

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\Windows Media Player\SP0\KB977816_WM9\Filelist

Deployment Information

Installing the Update

When you install this security update, the installer checks whether one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix.

If you have previously installed a hotfix to update one of these files, the installer copies the RTMQFE, SP1QFE, or SP2QFE files to your system. Otherwise, the installer copies the RTMGDR, SP1GDR, or SP2GDR files to your system. Security updates may not contain all variations of these files. For more information about this behavior, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824994.

For more information about the installer, visit the Microsoft TechNet Web site.

For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as hotfix, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684.

This security update supports the following setup switches.

Supported Security Update Installation Switches
SwitchDescription

/help

Displays the command-line options.

Setup Modes 

/passive

Unattended Setup mode. No user interaction is required, but installation status is displayed. If a restart is required at the end of Setup, a dialog box will be presented to the user with a timer warning that the computer will restart in 30 seconds.

/quiet

Quiet mode. This is the same as unattended mode, but no status or error messages are displayed.

Restart Options 

/norestart

Does not restart when installation has completed.

/forcerestart

Restarts the computer after installation and force other applications to close at shutdown without saving open files first.

/warnrestart[:x]

Presents a dialog box with a timer warning the user that the computer will restart in x seconds. (The default setting is 30 seconds.) Intended for use with the /quiet switch or the /passive switch.

/promptrestart

Displays a dialog box prompting the local user to allow a restart.

Special Options 

/overwriteoem

Overwrites OEM files without prompting.

/nobackup

Does not back up files needed for uninstall.

/forceappsclose

Forces other programs to close when the computer shuts down.

/log:path

Allows the redirection of installation log files.

/extract[:path]

Extracts files without starting the Setup program.

/ER

Enables extended error reporting.

/verbose

Enables verbose logging. During installation, creates %Windir%\CabBuild.log. This log details the files that are copied. Using this switch may cause the installation to proceed more slowly.

Note You can combine these switches into one command. For backward compatibility, the security update also supports the setup switches that the earlier version of the Setup program uses. For more information about the supported installation switches, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 262841.

Removing the Update

This security update supports the following setup switches.

Supported Spuninst.exe Switches
SwitchDescription

/help

Displays the command-line options.

Setup Modes 

/passive

Unattended Setup mode. No user interaction is required, but installation status is displayed. If a restart is required at the end of Setup, a dialog box will be presented to the user with a timer warning that the computer will restart in 30 seconds.

/quiet

Quiet mode. This is the same as unattended mode, but no status or error messages are displayed.

Restart Options 

/norestart

Does not restart when installation has completed.

/forcerestart

Restarts the computer after installation and force other applications to close at shutdown without saving open files first.

/warnrestart[:x]

Presents a dialog box with a timer warning the user that the computer will restart in x seconds. (The default setting is 30 seconds.) Intended for use with the /quiet switch or the /passive switch.

/promptrestart

Displays a dialog box prompting the local user to allow a restart.

Special Options 

/forceappsclose

Forces other programs to close when the computer shuts down.

/log:path

Allows the redirection of installation log files.

Verifying That the Update Has Been Applied

Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer

To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.

File Version Verification

Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.

1.

Click Start, and then click Search.

2.

In the Search Results pane, click All files and folders under Search Companion.

3.

In the All or part of the file name box, type a file name from the appropriate file information table, and then click Search.

4.

In the list of files, right-click a file name from the appropriate file information table, and then click Properties.

Note Depending on the edition of the operating system, or the programs that are installed on your system, some of the files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed.

5.

On the Version tab, determine the version of the file that is installed on your system by comparing it to the version that is documented in the appropriate file information table.

Note Attributes other than the file version may change during installation. Comparing other file attributes to the information in the file information table is not a supported method of verifying that the update has been applied. Also, in certain cases, files may be renamed during installation. If the file or version information is not present, use one of the other available methods to verify update installation.

Registry Key Verification

You may also be able to verify the files that this security update has installed by reviewing the registry keys listed in the Reference Table in this section.

These registry keys may not contain a complete list of installed files. Also, these registry keys may not be created correctly when an administrator or an OEM integrates or slipstreams this security update into the Windows installation source files.

Windows XP (all editions)

Reference Table

The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, Deployment Information, in this section.

Inclusion in Future Service Packs

The update for this issue will be included in a future service pack or update rollup

Deployment

 

Installing without user intervention

For Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Service Pack 3:
WindowsXP-KB977816-x86-ENU /quiet

 

For Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2:
WindowsServer2003.WindowsXP-KB977816-x64-ENU /quiet

Installing without restarting

For Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Service Pack 3:
WindowsXP-KB977816-x86-ENU /norestart

 

For Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2:
WindowsServer2003.WindowsXP-KB977816-x64-ENU /norestart

Update log file

KB977816.log

Further information

See the subsection, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance

Restart Requirement

 

Restart required?

In some cases, this update does not require a restart. If the required files are being used, this update will require a restart. If this behavior occurs, a message appears that advises you to restart.

HotPatching

Not applicable

Removal Information

Use Add or Remove Programs tool in Control Panel or the Spuninst.exe utility located in the %Windir%\$NTUninstallKB977816$\Spuninst folder

File Information

See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 977816

Registry Key Verification

For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows XP:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\Windows XP\SP4\KB977816\Filelist

 

For all supported x64-based editions of Windows XP:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\Windows XP Version 2003\SP3\KB977816\Filelist

Note For supported versions of Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, this security update is the same as supported versions of the Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition security update.

Deployment Information

Installing the Update

When you install this security update, the installer checks whether one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix.

If you have previously installed a hotfix to update one of these files, the installer copies the RTMQFE, SP1QFE, or SP2QFE files to your system. Otherwise, the installer copies the RTMGDR, SP1GDR, or SP2GDR files to your system. Security updates may not contain all variations of these files. For more information about this behavior, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824994.

For more information about the installer, visit the Microsoft TechNet Web site.

For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as hotfix, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684.

This security update supports the following setup switches.

Supported Security Update Installation Switches
SwitchDescription

/help

Displays the command-line options.

Setup Modes 

/passive

Unattended Setup mode. No user interaction is required, but installation status is displayed. If a restart is required at the end of Setup, a dialog box will be presented to the user with a timer warning that the computer will restart in 30 seconds.

/quiet

Quiet mode. This is the same as unattended mode, but no status or error messages are displayed.

Restart Options 

/norestart

Does not restart when installation has completed.

/forcerestart

Restarts the computer after installation and force other applications to close at shutdown without saving open files first.

/warnrestart[:x]

Presents a dialog box with a timer warning the user that the computer will restart in x seconds. (The default setting is 30 seconds.) Intended for use with the /quiet switch or the /passive switch.

/promptrestart

Displays a dialog box prompting the local user to allow a restart.

Special Options 

/overwriteoem

Overwrites OEM files without prompting.

/nobackup

Does not back up files needed for uninstall.

/forceappsclose

Forces other programs to close when the computer shuts down.

/log:path

Allows the redirection of installation log files.

/integrate:path

Integrates the update into the Windows source files. These files are located at the path that is specified in the switch.

/extract[:path]

Extracts files without starting the Setup program.

/ER

Enables extended error reporting.

/verbose

Enables verbose logging. During installation, creates %Windir%\CabBuild.log. This log details the files that are copied. Using this switch may cause the installation to proceed more slowly.

Note You can combine these switches into one command. For backward compatibility, the security update also supports the setup switches that the earlier version of the Setup program uses. For more information about the supported installation switches, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 262841.

Removing the Update

This security update supports the following setup switches.

Supported Spuninst.exe Switches
SwitchDescription

/help

Displays the command-line options.

Setup Modes 

/passive

Unattended Setup mode. No user interaction is required, but installation status is displayed. If a restart is required at the end of Setup, a dialog box will be presented to the user with a timer warning that the computer will restart in 30 seconds.

/quiet

Quiet mode. This is the same as unattended mode, but no status or error messages are displayed.

Restart Options 

/norestart

Does not restart when installation has completed

/forcerestart

Restarts the computer after installation and force other applications to close at shutdown without saving open files first.

/warnrestart[:x]

Presents a dialog box with a timer warning the user that the computer will restart in x seconds. (The default setting is 30 seconds.) Intended for use with the /quiet switch or the /passive switch.

/promptrestart

Displays a dialog box prompting the local user to allow a restart.

Special Options 

/forceappsclose

Forces other programs to close when the computer shuts down.

/log:path

Allows the redirection of installation log files.

Verifying That the Update Has Been Applied

Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer

To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.

File Version Verification

Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.

1.

Click Start, and then click Search.

2.

In the Search Results pane, click All files and folders under Search Companion.

3.

In the All or part of the file name box, type a file name from the appropriate file information table, and then click Search.

4.

In the list of files, right-click a file name from the appropriate file information table, and then click Properties.

Note Depending on the edition of the operating system, or the programs that are installed on your system, some of the files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed.

5.

On the Version tab, determine the version of the file that is installed on your system by comparing it to the version that is documented in the appropriate file information table.

Note Attributes other than the file version may change during installation. Comparing other file attributes to the information in the file information table is not a supported method of verifying that the update has been applied. Also, in certain cases, files may be renamed during installation. If the file or version information is not present, use one of the other available methods to verify update installation.

Registry Key Verification

You may also be able to verify the files that this security update has installed by reviewing the registry keys listed in the Reference Table in this section.

These registry keys may not contain a complete list of installed files. Also, these registry keys may not be created correctly when an administrator or an OEM integrates or slipstreams this security update into the Windows installation source files.

Windows Server 2003 (all editions)

Reference Table

The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, Deployment Information, in this section.

Inclusion in Future Service Packs

The update for this issue will be included in a future service pack or update rollup

Deployment

 

Installing without user intervention

For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Server 2003:
WindowsServer2003-KB977816-x86-ENU /quiet

 

For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2003:
WindowsServer2003.WindowsXP-KB977816-x64-ENU /quiet

Installing without restarting

For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Server 2003:
WindowsServer2003-KB977816-x86-ENU /norestart

 

For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2003:
WindowsServer2003.WindowsXP-KB977816-x64-ENU /norestart

Update log file

KB977816.log

Further information

See the subsection, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance

Restart Requirement

 

Restart required?

In some cases, this update does not require a restart. If the required files are being used, this update will require a restart. If this behavior occurs, a message appears that advises you to restart.

HotPatching

This security update does not support HotPatching. For more information about HotPatching, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 897341.

Removal Information

Use Add or Remove Programs tool in Control Panel or the Spuninst.exe utility located in the %Windir%\$NTUninstallKB977816$\Spuninst folder

File Information

See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 977816

Registry Key Verification

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\Windows Server 2003\SP3\KB977816\Filelist

Deployment Information

Installing the Update

When you install this security update, the installer checks to see if one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix.

If you have previously installed a hotfix to update one of these files, the installer copies the RTMQFE, SP1QFE, or SP2QFE files to your system. Otherwise, the installer copies the RTMGDR, SP1GDR, or SP2GDR files to your system. Security updates may not contain all variations of these files. For more information about this behavior, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824994.

For more information about the installer, visit the Microsoft TechNet Web site.

For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as hotfix, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684.

This security update supports the following setup switches.

Supported Security Update Installation Switches
SwitchDescription

/help

Displays the command-line options.

Setup Modes 

/passive

Unattended Setup mode. No user interaction is required, but installation status is displayed. If a restart is required at the end of Setup, a dialog box will be presented to the user with a timer warning that the computer will restart in 30 seconds.

/quiet

Quiet mode. This is the same as unattended mode, but no status or error messages are displayed.

Restart Options 

/norestart

Does not restart when installation has completed.

/forcerestart

Restarts the computer after installation and force other applications to close at shutdown without saving open files first.

/warnrestart[:x]

Presents a dialog box with a timer warning the user that the computer will restart in x seconds. (The default setting is 30 seconds.) Intended for use with the /quiet switch or the /passive switch.

/promptrestart

Displays a dialog box prompting the local user to allow a restart.

Special Options 

/overwriteoem

Overwrites OEM files without prompting.

/nobackup

Does not back up files needed for uninstall.

/forceappsclose

Forces other programs to close when the computer shuts down.

/log:path

Allows the redirection of installation log files.

/integrate:path

Integrates the update into the Windows source files. These files are located at the path that is specified in the switch.

/extract[:path]

Extracts files without starting the Setup program.

/ER

Enables extended error reporting.

/verbose

Enables verbose logging. During installation, creates %Windir%\CabBuild.log. This log details the files that are copied. Using this switch may cause the installation to proceed more slowly.

Note You can combine these switches into one command. For backward compatibility, the security update also supports many of the setup switches that the earlier version of the Setup program uses. For more information about the supported installation switches, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 262841.

Removing the Update

This security update supports the following setup switches.

Supported Spuninst.exe Switches
SwitchDescription

/help

Displays the command-line options.

Setup Modes 

/passive

Unattended Setup mode. No user interaction is required, but installation status is displayed. If a restart is required at the end of Setup, a dialog box will be presented to the user with a timer warning that the computer will restart in 30 seconds.

/quiet

Quiet mode. This is the same as unattended mode, but no status or error messages are displayed.

Restart Options 

/norestart

Does not restart when installation has completed.

/forcerestart

Restarts the computer after installation and force other applications to close at shutdown without saving open files first.

/warnrestart[:x]

Presents a dialog box with a timer warning the user that the computer will restart in x seconds. (The default setting is 30 seconds.) Intended for use with the /quiet switch or the /passive switch.

/promptrestart

Displays a dialog box prompting the local user to allow a restart.

Special Options 

/forceappsclose

Forces other programs to close when the computer shuts down.

/log:path

Allows the redirection of installation log files.

Verifying that the Update Has Been Applied

Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer

To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.

File Version Verification

Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.

1.

Click Start, and then click Search.

2.

In the Search Results pane, click All files and folders under Search Companion.

3.

In the All or part of the file name box, type a file name from the appropriate file information table, and then click Search.

4.

In the list of files, right-click a file name from the appropriate file information table, and then click Properties.

Note Depending on the edition of the operating system, or the programs that are installed on your system, some of the files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed.

5.

On the Version tab, determine the version of the file that is installed on your system by comparing it to the version that is documented in the appropriate file information table.

Note Attributes other than the file version may change during installation. Comparing other file attributes to the information in the file information table is not a supported method of verifying that the update has been applied. Also, in certain cases, files may be renamed during installation. If the file or version information is not present, use one of the other available methods to verify update installation.

Registry Key Verification

You may also be able to verify the files that this security update has installed by reviewing the registry keys listed in the Reference Table in this section.

These registry keys may not contain a complete list of installed files. Also, these registry keys may not be created correctly when an administrator or an OEM integrates or slipstreams this security update into the Windows installation source files.

Windows Vista (all editions)

Reference Table

The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, Deployment Information, in this section.

Inclusion in Future Service Packs

The update for this issue will be included in a future service pack or update rollup

Deployment

 

Installing without user intervention

For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Vista:
Windows6.0-KB977816-x86 /quiet

 

For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Vista:
Windows6.0-KB977816-x64 /quiet

Installing without restarting

For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Vista:
Windows6.0-KB977816-x86 /quiet /norestart

 

For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Vista:
Windows6.0-KB977816-x64 /quiet /norestart

Further information

See the subsection, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance

Restart Requirement

 

Restart required?

This update does not require a restart. The installer stops the required services, applies the update, and then restarts the services. However, if the required services cannot be stopped for any reason, or if required files are being used, this update will require a restart. If this behavior occurs, a message appears that advises you to restart.

HotPatching

Not applicable.

Removal Information

WUSA.exe does not support uninstall of updates. To uninstall an update installed by WUSA, click Control Panel, and then click Security. Under Windows Update, click View installed updates and select from the list of updates.

File Information

See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 977816

Registry Key Verification

Note A registry key does not exist to validate the presence of this update.

Deployment Information

Installing the Update

When you install this security update, the installer checks whether one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix.

For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as hotfix, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684.

This security update supports the following setup switches.

Supported Security Update Installation Switches
SwitchDescription

/?, /h, /help

Displays help on supported switches.

/quiet

Suppresses the display of status or error messages.

/norestart

When combined with /quiet, the system will not be restarted after installation even if a restart is required to complete installation.

Note For more information about the wusa.exe installer, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 934307.

Verifying That the Update Has Been Applied

Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer

To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.

File Version Verification

Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.

1.

Click Start and then enter an update file name in Start Search.

2.

When the file appears under Programs, right-click on the file name and click Properties.

3.

Under the General tab, compare the file size with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.

4.

You may also click on the Details tab and compare information, such as file version and date modified, with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.

5.

Finally, you may also click on the Previous Versions tab and compare file information for the previous version of the file with the file information for the new, or updated, version of the file.

Windows Server 2008 (all editions)

Reference Table

The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, Deployment Information, in this section.

Inclusion in Future Service Packs

The update for this issue will be included in a future service pack or update rollup

Deployment

 

Installing without user intervention

For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Server 2008:
Windows6.0-KB977816-x86 /quiet

 

For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2008:
Windows6.0-KB977816-x64 /quiet

Installing without restarting

For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Server 2008:
Windows6.0-KB977816-x86 /quiet /norestart

 

For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2008:
Windows6.0-KB977816-x64 /quiet /norestart

Further information

See the subsection, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance

Restart Requirement

 

Restart required?

This update does not require a restart. The installer stops the required services, applies the update, and then restarts the services. However, if the required services cannot be stopped for any reason, or if required files are being used, this update will require a restart. If this behavior occurs, a message appears that advises you to restart.

HotPatching

Not applicable.

Removal Information

WUSA.exe does not support uninstall of updates. To uninstall an update installed by WUSA, click Control Panel, and then click Security. Under Windows Update, click View installed updates and select from the list of updates.

File Information

See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 977816

Registry Key Verification

Note A registry key does not exist to validate the presence of this update.

Deployment Information

Installing the Update

When you install this security update, the installer checks whether one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix.

For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as hotfix, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684.

This security update supports the following setup switches.

Supported Security Update Installation Switches
SwitchDescription

/?, /h, /help

Displays help on supported switches.

/quiet

Suppresses the display of status or error messages.

/norestart

When combined with /quiet, the system will not be restarted after installation even if a restart is required to complete installation.

Note For more information about the wusa.exe installer, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 934307.

Verifying That the Update Has Been Applied

Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer

To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.

File Version Verification

Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.

1.

Click Start and then enter an update file name in Start Search.

2.

When the file appears under Programs, right-click on the file name and click Properties.

3.

Under the General tab, compare the file size with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.

4.

You may also click on the Details tab and compare information, such as file version and date modified, with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.

5.

Finally, you may also click on the Previous Versions tab and compare file information for the previous version of the file with the file information for the new, or updated, version of the file.

Other Information

Acknowledgments

Microsoft thanks the following for working with us to help protect customers:

Yamata Li of Palo Alto Networks for reporting the MPEG Layer-3 Audio Decoder Stack Overflow Vulnerability (CVE-2010-0480)

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 (April 13, 2010): Bulletin published.


 

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