CVE-2022-23300: Microsoft Raw Image Extension RCE Flaw

CVE-2022-23300 Overview

CVE-2022-23300 is a remote code execution vulnerability in the Microsoft Raw Image Extension. The flaw allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a target system when a user opens a crafted raw image file. Despite the "remote code execution" label, exploitation requires local file access and user interaction, as reflected in the CVSS attack vector.

Microsoft published the advisory on March 9, 2022, and assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8. The Raw Image Extension is distributed through the Microsoft Store and used by Windows to render camera raw image formats inside the Photos app and other imaging components.

Critical Impact
Successful exploitation grants code execution in the context of the logged-on user, enabling full compromise of user data and follow-on lateral movement.

Affected Products

Microsoft Raw Image Extension (Microsoft Store distribution)
Windows endpoints with the Raw Image Extension installed
Applications that invoke the extension to decode raw camera image formats

Discovery Timeline

2022-03-09 - CVE-2022-23300 published to NVD
2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2022-23300

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in the Raw Image Extension component responsible for parsing camera raw image formats. Malformed image structures trigger unsafe memory operations during decoding, which an attacker leverages to gain code execution. Microsoft classified the issue as remote code execution because the malicious payload is delivered via a file rather than direct memory access.

Exploitation requires the victim to open or preview a crafted raw image. Once decoding begins, the corrupted parser state allows attacker-controlled data to influence execution flow. The resulting process inherits the privileges of the current user, giving the attacker the same access level as the victim.

The Exploit Prediction Scoring System places this CVE in the upper percentile range for likelihood of exploitation activity, even though no public proof-of-concept has been confirmed.

Root Cause

NVD assigns NVD-CWE-noinfo because Microsoft did not disclose the specific weakness class. Vulnerabilities in raw image codecs typically stem from memory safety errors such as heap buffer overflows, out-of-bounds writes, or type confusion in metadata parsers. The Raw Image Extension processes complex, vendor-specific file structures, which expands the attack surface for malformed input handling.

Attack Vector

The attack chain begins with delivery of a malicious raw image file through phishing, drive-by download, removable media, or shared file storage. When the user opens or previews the file, the Raw Image Extension parses it and triggers the vulnerable code path. No authentication is required, but user interaction is mandatory.

The vulnerability cannot be triggered remotely without user action, which limits worm-style propagation but remains effective against targeted users in workstation environments.

No verified proof-of-concept code is publicly available for CVE-2022-23300.
Refer to the Microsoft Security Response Center advisory for vendor technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2022-23300

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected child processes spawned by Microsoft.Photos.exe or other applications that invoke the Raw Image Extension
Raw image files (.arw, .cr2, .nef, .dng, .raw) arriving from untrusted sources via email or web downloads
Crashes or unhandled exceptions logged against the Raw Image Extension package during image preview

Detection Strategies

Monitor process lineage where image viewer processes spawn shells, scripting engines, or LOLBins such as powershell.exe, cmd.exe, or rundll32.exe
Alert on Microsoft Store extension package versions that fall below the patched build for Microsoft.RawImageExtension
Apply behavioral identification for memory corruption patterns inside image-handling processes, including heap manipulation and shellcode execution

Monitoring Recommendations

Collect Windows Application and AppX event logs to track Raw Image Extension version state across the fleet
Forward endpoint telemetry covering image viewer process activity to a centralized analytics platform for retroactive hunting
Track inbound email and web download channels for raw image file types that bypass standard document inspection

How to Mitigate CVE-2022-23300

Immediate Actions Required

Update the Microsoft Raw Image Extension to the latest version available through the Microsoft Store on all affected endpoints
Validate that automatic Microsoft Store app updates are enabled via Group Policy or Intune
Audit the environment for systems where the Raw Image Extension is installed but rarely used, and consider removing it

Patch Information

Microsoft addressed CVE-2022-23300 through an updated Raw Image Extension package delivered via the Microsoft Store. Refer to the Microsoft CVE-2022-23300 Advisory for the patched build version and deployment guidance. Microsoft Store apps update independently of Windows Update, so administrators must confirm package delivery on each endpoint.

Workarounds

Uninstall the Raw Image Extension on systems that do not require raw image preview functionality
Restrict opening of raw image files from untrusted sources using attachment filtering and web content policies
Train users to avoid previewing image files received from unknown senders until patching is verified

bash

# PowerShell: check installed Raw Image Extension version
Get-AppxPackage -Name Microsoft.RawImageExtension | Select-Object Name, Version, PackageFullName

# PowerShell: remove the Raw Image Extension if not required
Get-AppxPackage -Name Microsoft.RawImageExtension | Remove-AppxPackage