DirectX has been around for a long time now. However recently there has been a new hole found when users are streaming media. Many users wouldn’t expect a program that is so commonly used to have such a problem. However if not patched the device would be able to let in hackers that use a Quick Time file.

Once the user gets attacked the hacker could then take over complete control of the computer. You may be wondering how exactly this is done. The problem lies in the way that Microsoft DirectShow interacts with the Quick Time file format. More specifically it targets the rendering of the audio and video sourcing.

The actual attacks have been limited however if you’re account is the primary administrator account on the computer you will want to be careful. This is because if the hacker is able to exploit the bug on your computer he or she will have full access to your computer including files or even creating other user accounts that have full access to your system. As you can imagine this can be a very bad situation if you have sensitive material such, as account numbers, on your computer.

However not all Windows users have to worry about this problem. The problem lays in Windows 2000 SP4, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003. This means if you’re running Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008 that you don’t have to worry about the flaw.

While the update may not be ready quite yet there are a few solutions that you can use in the meantime. There is a Microsoft work around that’ currently exists. You can also try to avoid websites that you don’t trust because the attacker would have to get you to go to a malicious website.

Source: CNET