CVE-2004-0726 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Windows Media Player control in Microsoft Windows 2000 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary script in the local computer zone via an ASX filename that contains javascript, which is executed in the local context in a preview panel.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0726 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Windows Media Player control that affects Windows 2000 systems. This issue stems from the improper handling of ASX (Advanced Stream Redirector) files within the Windows Media Player component, creating a significant attack vector for remote code execution. The vulnerability specifically targets the local computer zone security context, allowing attackers to bypass typical security restrictions that would normally prevent script execution from external sources.
The technical flaw manifests when Windows Media Player processes ASX files that contain embedded javascript code within their filename attributes. This occurs because the player's preview panel automatically executes javascript content without proper sanitization or security context validation. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and specifically relates to the execution of untrusted code within a trusted environment. The flaw exploits the trust relationship between the media player and the local system, enabling malicious scripts to run with the privileges of the local user account.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to Windows 2000 systems as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on target machines without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website or opening a compromised email attachment. The attack typically involves crafting an ASX file with embedded javascript that, when displayed in the preview panel, executes malicious commands such as downloading additional malware, modifying system files, or establishing backdoors. The local computer zone execution context means that the malicious script operates with elevated privileges and can access local resources that would normally be restricted. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" and represents a classic example of a sandbox escape attack that undermines the security model of the operating system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0726 focus on both immediate protective measures and long-term system hardening approaches. Organizations should immediately disable or remove the Windows Media Player control from systems where it is not essential, particularly in high-security environments. System administrators should implement strict content filtering and sanitization of ASX files, ensuring that any embedded javascript is properly validated before execution. Network-level protections such as firewalls and web application firewalls can help block malicious ASX file delivery. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening unknown media files and the importance of keeping systems updated with the latest security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly when dealing with user-supplied content in media players and similar applications that handle external file formats.