Microsoft releases urgent patch for high-risk Windows 10 flaws
Two vulnerabilities in the Windows Codecs Library affected customers using several iterations of Windows 10 and Windows Server
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Microsoft has released emergency fixes for two remote code execution (RCE) vulnerabilities affecting codecs in Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019, out of sync with its routine Patch Tuesday updates.
Assigned CVE-2020-1425 and CVE-2020-1457, both flaws are centred on the way that Microsoft Windows Codecs Library handles objects in memory, and have been given a CVSS score of 7.3 each.
Successful exploitation would allow an attacker to use the two flaws to execute arbitrary code and obtain information to further compromise a user’s system.
The vulnerabilities affect customers using several iterations of Windows 10, including the latest May 2020 Update, as well as Windows Server 2019, according to security advisories published by Microsoft.
They can each be exploited using a specially crafted image file, which is designed to be opened inside apps that use the Windows Codec Library. If the image file is opened, attackers would be able to run malicious code on a user’s machine and eventually seize control of their device.
Microsoft insists that affected customers need not take any action, because the Windows Codecs Library will be automatically patched by the Microsoft Store, as opposed to the patches being released through Windows Update.
Customers who want to receive the update immediately can check for updates with the Microsoft Store app, with more information on this process available.
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
Microsoft normally reserves essential security fixes for its Patch Tuesday round of monthly updates, although the company does occasionally release out-of-band fixes when serious vulnerabilities are discovered and need immediate mitigation.
One of the company’s most recent Patch Tuesday saw fixes released for three zero-day flaws under active exploitation, as part of a wave of 113 patches. Two of these critical flaws lied in Adobe Type Manager Library, with Microsoft previously warning they were being exploited in “limited attacks”.

Keumars Afifi-Sabet is a writer and editor that specialises in public sector, cyber security, and cloud computing. He first joined ITPro as a staff writer in April 2018 and eventually became its Features Editor. Although a regular contributor to other tech sites in the past, these days you will find Keumars on LiveScience, where he runs its Technology section.
-
Security agencies issue warning over critical Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN vulnerabilityNews Threat actors have been exploiting the vulnerability to achieve root access since 2023
-
Millions of developers could be impacted by flaws in Visual Studio Code extensions – here's what you need to know and how to protect yourselfNews The VS Code vulnerabilities highlight broader IDE security risks, said OX Security
-
CVEs are set to top 50,000 this year, marking a record high – here’s how CISOs and security teams can prepare for a looming onslaughtNews While the CVE figures might be daunting, they won't all be relevant to your organization
-
Microsoft patches six zero-days targeting Windows, Word, and more – here’s what you need to knowNews Patch Tuesday update targets large number of vulnerabilities already being used by attackers
-
Experts welcome EU-led alternative to MITRE's vulnerability tracking schemeNews The EU-led framework will reduce reliance on US-based MITRE vulnerability reporting database
-
Veeam patches Backup & Replication vulnerabilities, urges users to updateNews The vulnerabilities affect Veeam Backup & Replication 13.0.1.180 and all earlier version 13 builds – but not previous versions.
-
Two Fortinet vulnerabilities are being exploited in the wild – patch nowNews Arctic Wolf and Rapid7 said security teams should act immediately to mitigate the Fortinet vulnerabilities
-
Everything you need to know about Google and Apple’s emergency zero-day patchesNews A serious zero-day bug was spotted in Chrome systems that impacts Apple users too, forcing both companies to issue emergency patches

