Microsoft Patches Media Player 10

Microsoft on Wednesday issued an updated Windows Media Player 10 to correct a potential security issue that could allow an attacker to mislead users into downloading malware or viruses instead of a license to playback DRM content.

A spokesperson for Microsoft confirmed that the new WMP release, marked build 3802, was the promised update to take care of issues related to the player's digital rights management functions.

As reported by BetaNews, Microsoft originally refused to fix the problem, claiming it was not an actual vulnerability. However, after criticism from security analysts, the company did an about-face and announced a patch would be made available within thirty days.

Nonetheless, Microsoft has maintained that the problem is not a security hole. "Microsoft stated several weeks ago that they were looking into the issue and while it is an unintended use of WM DRM, it is not a security hole," a company spokesperson told BetaNews in January.

Microsoft is urging consumers to upgrade their software. Windows Media Player 10 build 3802 may be downloaded via FileForum.