CVE-2017-0155 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Graphics component in the kernel in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2; Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1; and Windows 7 SP1 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows Graphics Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0155 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Windows kernel's graphics subsystem affecting multiple operating system versions including Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 SP1. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level and exploits weaknesses in how the graphics component processes certain graphical operations, creating an avenue for local attackers to elevate their privileges from standard user level to system level access. The flaw specifically resides in the kernel-mode graphics driver handling mechanisms that fail to properly validate input parameters during graphics processing operations, allowing malicious applications to manipulate kernel memory structures through crafted graphical commands.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully constructed application that leverages the graphics subsystem's insufficient validation controls to execute arbitrary code within kernel space. Attackers can craft specific graphical operations that trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption within the graphics driver, ultimately allowing them to bypass standard security mechanisms and escalate privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-125, representing out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities that can lead to privilege escalation. The attack vector requires local system access, making it a local privilege escalation vulnerability that can be particularly dangerous when combined with other attack techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0155 is significant as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities once they gain local access to a target machine. An attacker with standard user privileges can leverage this vulnerability to execute code with kernel-level privileges, effectively gaining full control over the compromised system. This includes the ability to install malware, modify system files, access all user data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed operating systems like Windows Vista and Windows 7 makes it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where these older systems may still be operational. Organizations running these affected versions face elevated risk of successful compromise, especially in environments where users may have local access to systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0155 primarily focus on applying the official Microsoft security patches released as part of the July 2017 security updates. System administrators should prioritize immediate deployment of these patches across all affected systems, particularly in enterprise environments where the risk of exploitation is highest. Additional defensive measures include implementing least privilege principles to limit user access rights, disabling unnecessary graphics services, and monitoring for suspicious graphical process activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the MITRE ATT&CK framework places it within the privilege escalation technique category, specifically targeting the 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' tactic. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and endpoint protection solutions that can detect and prevent the execution of malicious graphical applications that attempt to exploit this vulnerability. Regular system auditing and vulnerability scanning should include checks for the presence of unpatched systems running affected Windows versions to ensure comprehensive coverage of this critical vulnerability.