CVE-2010-1879 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Quartz.dll for DirectShow; Windows Media Format Runtime 9, 9.5, and 11; Media Encoder 9; and the Asycfilt.dll COM component allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a media file with crafted compression data, aka "Media Decompression Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1879 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple Microsoft components within the Windows ecosystem, specifically targeting the DirectShow multimedia framework and related media processing libraries. This vulnerability resides in the Quartz.dll and Asycfilt.dll components that form part of the Windows Media Format Runtime and Media Encoder 9 applications. The flaw manifests when these components process media files containing specially crafted compression data, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability affects Windows Media Format Runtime versions 9, 9.5, and 11, along with the Media Encoder 9 component, making it a widespread concern across various Windows media processing environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the media decompression routines of the affected Microsoft components. When these libraries encounter media files with malformed or malicious compression parameters, the parsing logic fails to properly sanitize the input data, leading to memory corruption conditions that can be exploited by attackers. The vulnerability specifically exploits the decompression process where the system attempts to handle compressed media data, particularly in scenarios involving codecs or compression algorithms that are not properly validated. This flaw aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds writes, both of which are common in media processing libraries where buffer management is critical. The attack vector requires a remote attacker to deliver a malicious media file that, when processed by an affected system, triggers the vulnerable code path.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple media playback scenarios, as it provides attackers with a means to execute arbitrary code on targeted systems with the privileges of the user running the affected media processing application. This creates significant risk for organizations that process untrusted media content, including web servers, email systems, and content delivery platforms that may inadvertently process malicious media files. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, and file sharing systems where media files might be processed automatically. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1203, which covers exploitation for execution, and T1059, which involves command and scripting interpreters, as attackers can leverage the executed code to establish persistence or escalate privileges within the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1879 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent Windows updates and service packs. Organizations should implement network-based restrictions to prevent automatic processing of untrusted media files, particularly in high-risk environments such as web servers and email gateways. System administrators should disable unnecessary media processing components and implement strict file type validation to prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious content. The use of application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques can provide additional protection layers by restricting the execution context of media processing applications. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual media file processing activities, particularly in environments where automated media handling is common, as this vulnerability can be leveraged for privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised networks. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, as the vulnerability can lead to full system compromise when executed with appropriate privileges.