CVE-2020-17078: Microsoft Raw Image Extension RCE Flaw

CVE-2020-17078 Overview

CVE-2020-17078 is a critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability affecting Microsoft Raw Image Extension. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems through specially crafted raw image files. The Microsoft Raw Image Extension is a Windows component that enables native viewing and editing of raw image formats from various camera manufacturers.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code without requiring authentication or user interaction, potentially leading to complete system compromise.

Affected Products

• Microsoft Raw Image Extension (all vulnerable versions)

Discovery Timeline

• 2020-11-11 - CVE CVE-2020-17078 published to NVD
• 2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2020-17078

Vulnerability Analysis

This Remote Code Execution vulnerability in Microsoft Raw Image Extension allows attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution on target systems. The vulnerability exists in how the extension processes specially crafted raw image files. When a malicious raw image file is processed by the vulnerable component, it can trigger code execution with the privileges of the current user.

Raw image files from digital cameras contain unprocessed sensor data and metadata that requires specialized parsing. The complexity of various proprietary raw formats (such as Canon CR2, Nikon NEF, Sony ARW, and others) creates a large attack surface for memory corruption and parsing vulnerabilities. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to install programs, view, change, or delete data, or create new accounts with full user rights.

Root Cause

While specific technical details have not been publicly disclosed by Microsoft (classified as NVD-CWE-noinfo), the vulnerability resides in the image parsing functionality of the Raw Image Extension. The flaw likely involves improper handling of malformed raw image data, potentially resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited for code execution.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, meaning exploitation can occur remotely. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by:

1. Crafting a malicious raw image file designed to trigger the vulnerability
2. Delivering the malicious file via email attachment, malicious website, or file sharing
3. Waiting for the victim to open or preview the image (automatic preview features may trigger the vulnerability)
4. Achieving code execution when the vulnerable Raw Image Extension processes the malicious file

The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous for drive-by download scenarios or automated image processing pipelines.

Detection Methods for CVE-2020-17078

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual raw image files with anomalous file structures or unexpected metadata
• Unexpected child processes spawned by image viewing or processing applications
• Suspicious network connections initiated after opening raw image files
• Memory access violations or crashes in RawImage.dll or related Windows components

Detection Strategies

• Monitor file system activity for raw image files (.cr2, .nef, .arw, .dng, etc.) from untrusted sources
• Implement endpoint detection rules for suspicious process chains involving image rendering components
• Deploy behavioral analysis to detect post-exploitation activities following image file access
• Use application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution from image processing contexts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable Windows Defender Application Guard for edge browsing to isolate potentially malicious web content
• Configure enhanced logging for image processing applications and Windows shell extensions
• Implement file integrity monitoring for critical system directories
• Monitor for unexpected DLL loads in the context of image viewing applications

How to Mitigate CVE-2020-17078

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Microsoft Raw Image Extension to the latest patched version through Microsoft Store
• Block raw image files from untrusted sources at email and web gateways
• Restrict automatic preview of raw image files in Windows Explorer and email clients
• Implement network segmentation to limit impact of potential compromises

Patch Information

Microsoft has released a security update addressing this vulnerability. The patch is available through the Microsoft Store for the Raw Image Extension component. Organizations should verify that automatic updates are enabled for Microsoft Store applications or manually update the Raw Image Extension to the latest available version.

For detailed patch information, refer to the Microsoft Security Advisory for CVE-2020-17078.

Workarounds

• Temporarily uninstall or disable the Raw Image Extension if not required for business operations
• Configure email filters to strip or quarantine raw image file attachments
• Use application control policies to prevent the Raw Image Extension from executing in high-risk environments
• Consider using isolated virtual environments for processing raw image files from untrusted sources

# Check installed Raw Image Extension version via PowerShell
Get-AppxPackage -Name "Microsoft.RawImageExtension" | Select-Object Name, Version

# Remove Raw Image Extension if not needed (temporary workaround)
Get-AppxPackage -Name "Microsoft.RawImageExtension" | Remove-AppxPackage