Microsoft Windows up to Server 2004 Codecs Library memory corruption

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability described as critical has been identified in Microsoft Windows up to Server 2004. Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown functionality of the component Codecs Library. Such manipulation leads to memory corruption. This vulnerability is referenced as CVE-2020-1560. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. No exploit is available. It is advisable to implement a patch to correct this issue.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in Microsoft Windows up to Server 2004 (Operating System). Affected by this issue is an unknown code block of the component Codecs Library. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a memory corruption vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-119. The product performs operations on a memory buffer, but it can read from or write to a memory location that is outside of the intended boundary of the buffer. Impacted is confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that Microsoft Windows Codecs Library handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability 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. Exploitation of the vulnerability requires that a program process a specially crafted image file. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Microsoft Windows Codecs Library handles objects in memory.

The weakness was published 08/11/2020 as confirmed security update guide (Website). The advisory is shared for download at portal.msrc.microsoft.com. The public release has been coordinated with the vendor. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2020-1560. The attack may be launched remotely. No form of authentication is required for exploitation. Successful exploitation requires user interaction by the victim. There are neither technical details nor an exploit publicly available. The current price for an exploit might be approx. USD $5k-$25k (estimation calculated on 02/24/2026). The advisory points out:

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that Microsoft Windows Codecs Library handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could obtain information to further compromise the user’s system.

Applying a patch is able to eliminate this problem. A possible mitigation has been published immediately after the disclosure of the vulnerability.

Similar entries are available at VDB-159504, VDB-159503, VDB-159502 and VDB-159499. Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Type

• Operating System

Vendor

• Microsoft

Name

• Windows

Version

• 10 1709
• 10 1803
• 10 1809
• 10 1903
• 10 1909
• 10 2004
• Server 2004

License

• commercial

Website

• Vendor: https://www.microsoft.com/
• Product: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows

CPE 2.3info

• 🔍
• 🔍
• 🔍

CPE 2.2info

• 🔍
• 🔍
• 🔍

CVSSv4info

CVSSv3info

CVSSv2info

Exploitinginfo

Threat Intelligenceinfo

Countermeasuresinfo

Timelineinfo

Sourcesinfo

Entryinfo

Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

Discussion