CVE-2007-1211 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified kernel GDI functions in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4; XP SP2; and Server 2003 Gold, SP1, and SP2 allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denial of service (possibly persistent restart) via a crafted Windows Metafile (WMF) image that causes an invalid dereference of an offset in a kernel structure, a related issue to CVE-2005-4560.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-1211 represents a critical kernel-level flaw within the Windows Graphics Device Interface GDI subsystem that affects multiple versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems including Windows 2000 SP4, Windows XP SP2, and Windows Server 2003 in various service pack configurations. This issue resides in the handling of Windows Metafile (WMF) images, which are vector graphics formats used for storing graphical images and are commonly embedded in various Windows applications and documents. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of WMF file structures during kernel-level processing, creating a pathway for malicious code execution through crafted metafile content.
The technical flaw manifests when the Windows kernel processes a specially crafted WMF image file that contains invalid offset references within kernel memory structures. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of kernel memory corruption, specifically involving invalid memory dereferences that can lead to system instability. The vulnerability is classified as a denial of service condition that may result in persistent system restarts or complete system crashes. According to CWE standards, this corresponds to CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read, which occurs when a program reads data past the end or before the beginning of a buffer, and CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, which involves writing data past the boundaries of a buffer. The flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that occurs in kernel space, making it particularly dangerous as it can lead to privilege escalation or system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations using affected Windows versions as it allows remote attackers to trigger system crashes through user-assisted means. The attack vector typically involves tricking users into opening or viewing a malicious WMF image file, which could be embedded in email attachments, web pages, or downloaded files. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service as the persistent restart condition can be exploited for continued disruption of services, potentially allowing attackers to maintain system instability for extended periods. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic, as it could be exploited through malicious script or document content that leverages the WMF processing functionality.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch application through Microsoft Security Updates, as the primary fix involves correcting the kernel-level validation routines for WMF file processing. System administrators should implement strict file type filtering and scanning mechanisms to prevent execution of potentially malicious WMF files, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted content. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts, while regular system monitoring should be implemented to detect any signs of attempted exploitation. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary graphics processing capabilities and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized code that could exploit this kernel-level vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of kernel security and proper input validation in preventing system-level compromise through seemingly benign file format processing.