Title

Media Player must be configured to prevent automatic Codec downloads. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

The Windows Media Player uses software components, referred to as Codecs, to play back media files. By default, when an unknown file type is opened with the Media Player, it will search the Internet for the appropriate Codec and automatically download it. To ensure platform consistency and to protect against new vulnerabilities associated with media types, all Codecs must be installed by the System Administrator.

Check Content

If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding: Registry Hive: HKEY_CURRENT_USER Subkey: \Software\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsMediaPlayer\ Value Name: PreventCodecDownload Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Media Player -> Playback -> "Prevent Codec Download" to "Enabled".

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-48119r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-3481

Group Title: Media Player - Prevent Codec Download

Expert Comments

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