Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-027 - Critical

Security Update for Windows Media to Address Remote Code Execution (3143146)

Published: March 8, 2016 | Updated: April 7, 2016

Version: 1.2

Executive Summary

This security update resolves vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution if a user opens specially crafted media content that is hosted on a website.

This security update is rated Critical for all supported editions of Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10. For more information, see the Affected Software section. The security update addresses the vulnerabilities by correcting how Windows handles resources in the media library.

For more information about the vulnerability, see the Vulnerability Information section.

For more information about this update, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 3143146.

Affected Software and Vulnerability Severity Ratings

The following software versions or editions are affected. Versions or editions that are not listed are either past their support life cycle or are not affected. To determine the support life cycle for your software version or edition, see Microsoft Support Lifecycle.

The severity ratings indicated for each affected software 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 March bulletin summary.

Operating System Windows Media Parsing Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2016-0101 Windows Media Parsing Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2016-0098 Updates Replaced*
Windows 7
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 (3138910) Critical  Remote Code Execution Not applicable 3033890 in MS15-057
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 (3138962) Not applicable Critical  Remote Code Execution 3033890 in MS15-057
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3138910) Critical  Remote Code Execution Not applicable 3033890 in MS15-057
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3138962) Not applicable Critical  Remote Code Execution 3033890 in MS15-057
Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3138910) Critical  Remote Code Execution Not applicable 3033890 in MS15-057
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3138962) Not applicable Critical  Remote Code Execution 3033890 in MS15-057
Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 for 32-bit Systems (3138910) Critical  Remote Code Execution Not applicable None
Windows 8.1 for 32-bit Systems (3138962) Not applicable Critical  Remote Code Execution None
Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems (3138910) Critical  Remote Code Execution Not applicable None
Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems (3138962) Not applicable Critical  Remote Code Execution None
Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2
Windows Server 2012 (3138910) Critical  Remote Code Execution Not applicable None
Windows Server 2012 (3138962) Not applicable Critical  Remote Code Execution None
Windows Server 2012 R2 (3138910) Critical  Remote Code Execution Not applicable None
Windows Server 2012 R2 (3138962) Not applicable Critical  Remote Code Execution None
Windows RT 8.1
Windows RT 8.1[1](3138910) Critical  Remote Code Execution Not applicable None
Windows 10
Windows 10 for 32-bit Systems[2](3140745) Critical  Remote Code Execution Critical  Remote Code Execution 3135174
Windows 10 for x64-based Systems[2](3140745) Critical  Remote Code Execution Critical  Remote Code Execution 3135174
Windows 10 Version 1511 for 32-bit Systems[2](3140768) Critical  Remote Code Execution Not applicable 3140743
Windows 10 Version 1511 for x64-based Systems[2](3140768) Critical  Remote Code Execution Not applicable 3140743

[1]This update is available via Windows Update.

[2]Windows 10 updates are cumulative. In addition to containing non-security updates, they also contain all of the security fixes for all of the Windows 10-affected vulnerabilities shipping with the monthly security release. The update is available via the Windows Update Catalog.

*The Updates Replaced column shows only the latest update in a chain of superseded updates. For a comprehensive list of updates replaced, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog, search for the update KB number, and then view update details (updates replaced information is on the Package Details tab).

Note Windows Media is not enabled by default on Windows server operating systems. On Windows servers, it is enabled when the Desktop Experience feature is enabled. As a result, the update for Windows Media only applies if Desktop Experience is enabled.

Update FAQs

There are multiple update packages available for some of the affected software. Do I need to install all the updates listed in the Affected Software table for the software?
Yes. Customers should apply all updates offered for the software installed on their systems.

Do I need to install these security updates in a particular sequence?
No. Multiple updates for a given system can be applied in any sequence.

Vulnerability Information

Multiple Windows Media Parsing Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities

Multiple remote code execution vulnerabilities exist in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution if a user opens specially crafted media content that is hosted on a website. To exploit the vulnerabilities, an attacker could host media content on a website or send an attachment in an email and then convince a user to open it.

An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerabilities could take control of an affected system remotely. 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.

The security update addresses the vulnerabilities by correcting how Windows handles resources in the media library.

The following table contains links to the standard entry for each vulnerability in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list:

Vulnerability Title CVE number Publicly disclosed Exploited
Windows Media Parsing Remote Code Execution Vulnerability CVE-2016-0101 No No
Windows Media Parsing Remote Code Execution Vulnerability CVE-2016-0098 No No

Mitigating Factors

Microsoft has not identified any mitigating factors for the vulnerabilities.

Workarounds

Microsoft has not identified any workarounds for the vulnerabilities.

Security Update Deployment

For Security Update Deployment information, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base article referenced in the Executive Summary.

Acknowledgments

Microsoft recognizes the efforts of those in the security community who help us protect customers through coordinated vulnerability disclosure. See Acknowledgments for more information.

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 (March 8, 2016): Bulletin published.
  • V1.1 (March 10, 2016): Corrected the Updates Replaced for Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1. This is an informational change only.
  • V1.2 (April 7, 2016): Added a note to clarify that Windows Media is only enabled on Windows server operating systems when the Desktop Experience feature is enabled. This is an informational change only.

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