CVE-2001-0148 in Windows Media Player
Summary
by MITRE
The WMP ActiveX Control in Windows Media Player 7 allows remote attackers to execute commands in Internet Explorer via javascript URLs, a variant of the "Frame Domain Verification" vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0148 represents a critical security flaw in the Windows Media Player 7 ActiveX control that enables remote code execution through Internet Explorer. This issue specifically exploits the way the WMP ActiveX control handles javascript URLs, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary commands on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability operates through a variant of the "Frame Domain Verification" attack vector, which leverages the trust relationships between different domains within web browsers to bypass security restrictions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of URL schemes and domain boundaries within the Windows Media Player ActiveX control. When Internet Explorer processes a webpage containing malicious javascript URLs that reference the WMP ActiveX control, the control fails to properly verify the originating domain context. This allows attackers to craft specially crafted web pages that, when viewed in Internet Explorer, trigger the ActiveX control to execute commands with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. The flaw essentially bypasses the browser's security model by exploiting the trust relationship between the ActiveX control and the browser environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2001-0148 is severe and far-reaching within enterprise environments where Windows Media Player 7 is installed. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain complete system compromise, potentially leading to data theft, system infiltration, and lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability affects systems running Windows 95, 98, and ME with Windows Media Player 7 installed, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread deployment of these older operating systems in corporate environments. The remote execution capability means that attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring physical access to target systems, making it an attractive vector for widespread attacks.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls in software systems, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. The vulnerability demonstrates how ActiveX controls can be weaponized to bypass browser security mechanisms, highlighting the importance of proper input validation and domain verification. Organizations should immediately apply Microsoft security patches that address this specific ActiveX control vulnerability, while also implementing network segmentation and browser security policies to limit exposure. Additional mitigations include disabling ActiveX controls in Internet Explorer, implementing strict content filtering, and maintaining up-to-date antivirus signatures that can detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical need for comprehensive security awareness training, as users may inadvertently visit malicious websites that exploit this flaw through seemingly legitimate web content.