Media Player is configured to allow automatic CODEC downloads.

From Windows 2008 Member Server Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of Media Player - Prevent Codec Download

Associated with: CCI-001812

SV-29721r1_rule Media Player is configured to allow automatic CODEC downloads.

Vulnerability 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 doesn’t exist or its value is not set to 1, then 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”.

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