CVE-2012-2897 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2, and R2 SP1, Windows 7 Gold and SP1, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, and Windows RT, as used by Google Chrome before 22.0.1229.79 and other programs, do not properly handle objects in memory, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted TrueType font file, aka "Windows Font Parsing Vulnerability" or "TrueType Font Parsing Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2897 represents a critical flaw in Microsoft Windows kernel-mode drivers that affects a broad range of operating systems from Windows XP through Windows 8 and their respective server editions. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of TrueType font objects in memory, creating a pathway for remote code execution that has significant implications for system security and stability. The flaw exists within the core font processing mechanisms that are fundamental to how Windows renders graphical content, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through common digital media interactions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within the Windows kernel-mode drivers responsible for processing TrueType font files. When a maliciously crafted font file is processed by the system, the kernel-mode driver fails to properly validate or sanitize the font data structures before attempting to render them. This memory handling failure creates exploitable conditions that allow attackers to manipulate memory contents and execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability is classified as a buffer overflow or memory corruption issue, specifically related to how the system handles font parsing operations that occur during normal system operation.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2897 is substantial as it enables remote attackers to achieve complete system compromise without requiring local access or user interaction beyond viewing a malicious font file. The vulnerability affects not only the targeted Microsoft operating systems but also applications that rely on Windows font rendering capabilities, including Google Chrome and other web browsers that were affected by this flaw in versions prior to 22.0.1229.79. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by embedding malicious TrueType font files in web pages, email attachments, or other digital content that users might encounter, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and drive-by download scenarios.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell execution through legitimate system tools. The vulnerability's exploitation typically follows a pattern where attackers craft specially formatted TrueType font files that trigger the memory corruption when processed by the vulnerable kernel drivers. This attack vector represents a classic example of a privilege escalation vulnerability that can be leveraged to gain system-level control, potentially leading to full system compromise and persistence within affected environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2897 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected systems through Microsoft security updates, which address the underlying memory handling issues in the font processing drivers. Organizations should prioritize deployment of the relevant security patches across all affected Windows versions and ensure that web browsers and other applications are updated to versions that either contain fixes or have mitigated the vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing strict content filtering policies, disabling automatic font rendering for untrusted content, and monitoring for suspicious font file processing activities. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can also provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts.