CVE-2022-21844 in HEVC Video Extensions
Summary
by MITRE • 02/09/2022
HEVC Video Extensions Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2022-21926, CVE-2022-21927.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2022
The CVE-2022-21844 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the HEVC Video Extensions component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of H.265/HEVC video decoding processes, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The issue stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the video processing pipeline that processes HEVC encoded content. Security researchers identified this weakness during routine vulnerability assessments of multimedia processing components in modern operating systems. The vulnerability impacts multiple Windows versions including Windows 10, Windows 11, and various server editions that include HEVC Video Extensions. This flaw particularly affects systems where users might encounter HEVC encoded media through web browsing, email attachments, or multimedia applications that utilize the Windows HEVC codec.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2022-21844 occurs when a malicious actor crafts specially crafted HEVC video content that triggers a buffer overflow or memory corruption condition within the HEVC Video Extensions module. The vulnerability manifests during the decoding process when the system attempts to parse malformed video headers or metadata within the HEVC stream. This particular flaw is categorized under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for legitimate user execution. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the fact that HEVC video content is commonly encountered through web browsers, email clients, and multimedia applications that automatically process such media. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by delivering malicious HEVC content through phishing emails, compromised websites, or malicious streaming services that users might inadvertently access.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-21844 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. Once an attacker gains execution privileges through this vulnerability, they can establish persistent access through various means including the creation of new user accounts, installation of additional malware, or modification of system files. The vulnerability affects both enterprise and consumer environments since HEVC video content is widely used across streaming platforms, digital media applications, and multimedia processing workflows. Organizations with remote work policies face heightened risk as employees may encounter malicious HEVC content through various channels including email, web browsing, or cloud-based collaboration tools. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction to exploit, potentially allowing for automated attack campaigns that can compromise large numbers of systems without direct user engagement.
Microsoft has addressed this vulnerability through security updates released in their monthly patch cycle, specifically targeting the HEVC Video Extensions component. The mitigation strategy involves applying the latest cumulative updates for Windows operating systems, which include patches for the vulnerable video decoding libraries. Security administrators should prioritize deployment of these patches across all affected systems, particularly those with high-value assets or systems exposed to external networks. Additional defensive measures include implementing network-based filtering to block HEVC content from untrusted sources, configuring browser security settings to restrict automatic media playback, and employing endpoint detection and response solutions to monitor for suspicious process behavior. Organizations should also consider disabling HEVC decoding capabilities in applications where such functionality is not essential for business operations, as this reduces the attack surface for exploitation. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK framework as a privilege escalation technique highlights the importance of maintaining least-privilege access controls and regular security assessments of multimedia processing components.