CVE-2017-0190 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The GDI component in Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, and Windows Server 2016 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information from process memory via a crafted web site, aka "GDI Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2020
The CVE-2017-0190 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Graphics Device Interface component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability affects a broad range of Microsoft products including Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, and Windows Server 2016. The flaw specifically resides in how the GDI component handles certain graphical operations, creating an avenue for remote attackers to extract sensitive data from process memory. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through a crafted website, making it accessible to attackers without requiring local system access or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of graphics data structures within the GDI subsystem. When processing certain graphical elements, the system fails to properly validate memory boundaries, leading to information disclosure through memory leaks or improper data exposure. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and more specifically relates to improper handling of graphical data structures within kernel-mode components. The flaw allows attackers to potentially access sensitive information that should remain protected within process memory, including credentials, cryptographic keys, or other confidential data that might be stored in memory during normal application operation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations utilizing affected Windows versions, as it enables remote information disclosure without requiring any authentication or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be delivered through standard web browsing activities, making it difficult to defend against through traditional network security controls. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to gather intelligence about running processes, potentially leading to further exploitation opportunities or credential harvesting. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic" and T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," as the information disclosure can be leveraged for subsequent attacks. Organizations may experience unauthorized data access, potential credential theft, and increased attack surface for more sophisticated exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0190 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches, as well as network-level defenses to block access to known malicious domains. System administrators should implement browser hardening measures, including disabling active scripting and limiting access to potentially dangerous web content. Organizations should also consider implementing memory protection mechanisms and monitoring for unusual memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping systems updated and implementing defense-in-depth strategies, as the GDI component's exposure to remote attackers demonstrates how seemingly isolated system components can create significant security risks when not properly secured. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues across the enterprise infrastructure.