CVE-2021-24091 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 02/26/2021
Windows Camera Codec Pack Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2021
The Windows Camera Codec Pack remote code execution vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems through maliciously crafted media files. This vulnerability specifically impacts the Windows Camera Codec Pack component which handles various image and video formats commonly used in digital photography and videography applications. The flaw exists within the parsing logic of the codec pack's handling of specific file structures, particularly affecting formats such as heic and avif that are increasingly common in modern camera applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management practices within the Windows Camera Codec Pack library. When processing specially crafted media files, the codec pack fails to properly validate buffer boundaries and input parameters, leading to potential buffer overflow conditions or arbitrary code execution. This weakness aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations that can result in memory corruption. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the codec level where legitimate media processing occurs, making it difficult to distinguish between benign and malicious file content during runtime execution.
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by delivering malicious media files through various attack vectors including email attachments, compromised websites, or malicious downloads that users might encounter while browsing. The remote code execution capability allows adversaries to gain full system control without requiring user interaction beyond opening the affected media file. This exploitation technique maps directly to ATT&CK tactic T1203, which involves legitimate user access through exploitation of software vulnerabilities. Once executed, the payload can establish persistence mechanisms within the victim environment, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate system compromise to encompass broader enterprise security implications. Organizations using Windows Camera Codec Pack components face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where users frequently interact with multimedia content from untrusted sources. The vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions including Windows 10, Windows 11, and various server editions that incorporate the codec pack functionality. Security teams must consider the widespread adoption of camera applications that utilize this codec pack, as well as the potential for supply chain attacks where third-party applications bundle vulnerable components.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patch application through Microsoft's security updates, which address the underlying memory handling flaws in the Camera Codec Pack implementation. System administrators should implement strict media file filtering policies and consider deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of unauthorized codec components. Network-based protections including web proxies and email filtering systems can help reduce exposure by blocking suspicious media content before it reaches end-user systems. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that all installed applications using the Windows Camera Codec Pack have been updated to versions containing the relevant security fixes, as third-party applications may bundle outdated codec libraries that remain vulnerable to exploitation.