CVE-2017-0165 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Microsoft Windows running on Windows 10, Windows 10 1511, Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2 fails to properly sanitize handles in memory, aka "Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0165 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw affecting multiple Microsoft Windows operating systems including Windows 10 versions, Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2. This weakness stems from improper handle sanitization within memory management processes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from standard user level to administrative rights. The vulnerability falls under the broader category of privilege escalation issues that have significant implications for system security and integrity.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in how Windows handles memory management and object reference cleanup during process execution. When Windows fails to properly sanitize handles in memory, it allows for potential information leakage or manipulation of handle references that should be isolated between different security contexts. This improper sanitization creates a condition where an attacker can potentially access or manipulate handle values that should be protected, leading to unauthorized access to system resources and elevated privileges. The flaw operates at the kernel level where handle management occurs, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to bypass standard security boundaries and access protected system components.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0165 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to gain full administrative control over affected systems. This vulnerability can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially allowing for persistent access, data exfiltration, or further network reconnaissance. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the affected platforms include widely deployed operating systems such as Windows 10 and Windows Server 2012 R2, which are commonly found in enterprise environments. Security researchers have noted that exploitation of this vulnerability can occur through various attack vectors including malicious software installation or targeted attacks against vulnerable systems.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation. The vulnerability represents a significant concern for organizations as it requires immediate attention and patching to prevent potential exploitation. Microsoft addressed this issue through security updates that improved memory handle sanitization processes and enhanced security boundaries between different privilege levels. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management strategies and monitor for indicators of compromise that may suggest exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual process creation or privilege escalation activities within their network environments.
The remediation approach for CVE-2017-0165 primarily involves applying the official Microsoft security updates that address the handle sanitization issue. System administrators should prioritize patch deployment across all affected Windows platforms, ensuring that both client and server operating systems receive the necessary updates. Additional mitigations include implementing strict access controls, monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation attempts, and maintaining up-to-date security solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper memory management practices and handle lifecycle management in operating system security design, highlighting the critical need for robust sanitization processes to prevent unauthorized access to system resources.