Microsoft DirectX Vulnerability Under Attack
Microsoft is investigating reports of a new vulnerability in Microsoft DirectX under attack by hackers using malicious QuickTime videos. According to a Microsoft advisory, the vulnerability can be exploited by hackers to remotely execute code with the rights of the logged on user. Specifically, the vulnerability is in the QuickTime parser in Microsoft DirectShow, and is due to the way DirectShow handles supported QuickTime format files.
A feature of the Windows operating system, DirectX is used for streaming media to enable graphics and sound when playing games or watching video. Within DirectX, the DirectShow technology performs client-side audio and video sourcing, manipulation and rendering, while the QuickTime Movie Parser filter splits Apple QuickTime data into audio and video streams.
Though this isn’t a browser vulnerability, Microsoft officials warned that because the vulnerability is in DirectShow, any browser using media plug-ins that use DirectShow is subject to attack. In addition, it is possible to direct calls to DirectShow specifically, even if Apple’s QuickTime (which is not vulnerable) is installed.
