CVE-2020-16968: Windows Camera Codec Pack Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published Oct 16, 2020
·
Updated

<p>A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Camera Codec Pack improperly handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run arbitrary code in the context of the current user. If the current user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker could take control of the affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.</p> <p>Exploitation of the vulnerability requires that a user open a specially crafted file with an affected version of the Windows Camera Codec Pack. In an email attack scenario, an attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending the specially crafted file to the user and convincing the user to open the file. In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a website (or leverage a compromised website that accepts or hosts user-provided content) containing a specially crafted file designed to exploit the vulnerability. An attacker would have no way to force users to visit the website. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to click a link, typically by way of an enticement in an email or instant message, and then convince them to open the specially crafted file.</p> <p>The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the Windows Camera Codec Pack handles objects in memory.</p>

Other sources

A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Camera Codec Pack improperly handles objects in memory, aka 'Windows Camera Codec Pack Remote Code Execution Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-16967.

Affected Software

8 affected components
Microsoft Windows 10
Microsoft Windows 10=1607
Microsoft Windows 10=1709
Microsoft Windows 10=1803
Microsoft Windows 10=1809
Microsoft Windows 10=1903
Microsoft Windows 10=1909
Microsoft Windows 10=2004

Event History

Oct 16, 2020
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:18 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:18 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·11:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Mar 9, 2026
Advisory Published
via ZDI·07:08 PM
Data Sourced
via ZDI·07:08 PM
DescriptionAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2020-16968?

CVE-2020-16968 is classified as a critical remote code execution vulnerability.

2

How do I fix CVE-2020-16968?

To mitigate CVE-2020-16968, ensure you have installed the latest security updates for your Windows operating system.

3

What versions of Windows are affected by CVE-2020-16968?

CVE-2020-16968 affects various versions of Windows 10, including 1607, 1709, 1803, 1809, 1903, 1909, and 2004.

4

What could an attacker achieve by exploiting CVE-2020-16968?

An attacker exploiting CVE-2020-16968 could run arbitrary code in the context of the current user.

5

How can I determine if my system is vulnerable to CVE-2020-16968?

You can check if your system is vulnerable to CVE-2020-16968 by verifying if your Windows version falls within the affected versions without the relevant updates.

Contact

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