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Microsoft Confirms WMF Vulnerability, Plans for Patch

Shane Pitman   on 29 December 2005 - 15:45 · 46 comments & 22178 views

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Microsoft has issued a Security Advisory (912840) concerning the recent WMF vulnerability exploit. Microsoft also confirmed the REGSVR32 workaround as a viable solution to protect your PC until they have had time to fully research the vulnerability and issue a patch. The following is a quote from the Microsoft Security Advisory.

Un-register the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer (Shimgvw.dll)

1. Click Start, click Run, type " regsvr32 -u %windir%/system32/shimgvw.dll" (without the quotation marks), and then click OK.

2. A dialog box appears to confirm that the un-registration process has succeeded. Click OK to close the dialog box.

Impact of Workaround: The Windows Picture and Fax Viewer will no longer be started when users click on a link to an image type that is associated with the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer. To undo this change, re-register Shimgvw.dll by following the above steps. Replace the text in Step 1 with “regsvr32 %windir%/system32/shimgvw.dll” (without the quotation marks).

Antivirus and Security Experts at F-Secure advise that this method is more secure than simply filtering WMF content, as many types of image files (.GIF, .BMP, .JPG, .TIF, etc...) could be used in this exploit. F-Secure warns that to date they have only experienced spyware and fake antispyware / antivirus installations with this exploit but that more serious infections may be coming soon.

View: F-Secure WMF Vulnerability Update
News source: Microsoft Security Advisory 912840





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(1 reply) #1 on 01 Jan 1970 - 00:00
#1.1 shanepitman on 30 Dec 2005 - 01:59
It's in the article.

To undo this change, re-register Shimgvw.dll by following the above steps. Replace the text in Step 1 with “regsvr32 %windir%/system32/shimgvw.dll” (without the quotation marks).


Last edited by #2 on 01 Jan 1970 - 00:00
#2.1 shanepitman on 30 Dec 2005 - 03:32
Yep, and he stalks my posts sometimes too, although I don't know if he's ever posted on one. I've seen him reading my posts before though. My Dad and I are pretty tight, always have been.

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