CVE-2020-17106
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2020-17106 is a remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft's HEVC Video Extensions that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening specially crafted media files. This affects Windows systems with the HEVC Video Extensions installed, potentially allowing attackers to gain control of affected systems.
💻 Affected Systems
- Microsoft HEVC Video Extensions
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with attacker gaining SYSTEM-level privileges, enabling data theft, ransomware deployment, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Local user account compromise leading to data exfiltration, credential harvesting, and lateral movement within the network.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application whitelisting and user education preventing malicious file execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open a malicious media file. No public exploit code was available at disclosure time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: HEVC Video Extensions version 1.0.32762.0 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-17106
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Open Microsoft Store. 2. Search for 'HEVC Video Extensions'. 3. Click 'Get Updates' or check for updates. 4. Install available updates. 5. Alternatively, update through Windows Update if configured.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Uninstall HEVC Video Extensions
windowsRemove the vulnerable component entirely if not required for business operations.
Get-AppxPackage *HEVCVideoExtension* | Remove-AppxPackage
Application Control Policies
windowsImplement application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized media players or codecs.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict email filtering to block suspicious attachments and media files
- Educate users about the risks of opening media files from untrusted sources
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check HEVC Video Extensions version in Microsoft Store or via PowerShell: Get-AppxPackage *HEVCVideoExtension* | Select VersionCheck Version:
Get-AppxPackage *HEVCVideoExtension* | Select VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 1.0.32762.0 or higher using: Get-AppxPackage *HEVCVideoExtension* | Select Version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes in HEVC-related processes
- Unusual process creation from media player applications
- Windows Event Logs showing codec loading failures
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from media players to unexpected destinations
- Unusual network traffic following media file access
SIEM Query:
EventID=1000 OR EventID=1001 AND SourceName contains 'Application Error' AND ProcessName contains 'HEVC' OR 'VideoExtension'