CVE-2017-0192 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Adobe Type Manager Font Driver (ATMFD.dll) in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2; Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1; Windows 7 SP1; Windows 8.1; Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2; Windows RT 8.1; and Windows 10 Gold , 1511, 1607, and 1703 allows an attacker to gain sensitive information via a specially crafted document or an untrusted website, aka "ATMFD.dll Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2024
The CVE-2017-0192 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Adobe Type Manager Font Driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability affects a broad range of Windows versions including Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows RT 8.1, and multiple Windows 10 releases. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of font data within the ATMFD.dll module which is responsible for processing and rendering font files in Windows environments. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes specially crafted documents or loads content from untrusted websites that contain malicious font data, creating a vector for unauthorized information disclosure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability is classified as an information disclosure issue that operates through the manipulation of font rendering processes within the Windows operating system. When a user opens a malicious document or visits a compromised website containing crafted font data, the ATMFD.dll component attempts to process the font information without proper validation mechanisms. This processing error allows an attacker to potentially extract sensitive information from the system memory, including potentially privileged data or system configuration details that should remain protected. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the font processing subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges to initiate the attack vector.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0192 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within the Windows ecosystem. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gather system information that could aid in subsequent exploitation attempts, including details about installed software, system configuration, and potentially network topology information. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Windows versions and service packs creates a widespread attack surface, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to maximize their exploitation scope. Security researchers have classified this vulnerability under CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure," and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell" as attackers may use the gathered information to plan more targeted attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0192 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates that address the vulnerability in the ATMFD.dll component. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected Windows systems receive the necessary security fixes. Network administrators should consider implementing web filtering solutions to block access to potentially malicious websites that might host exploit content. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening untrusted documents or visiting suspicious websites that could contain malicious font data. System administrators should monitor for unusual font processing activity and implement security controls to restrict font processing in high-risk environments. The vulnerability's classification as a critical information disclosure issue underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing layered defensive measures to protect against exploitation attempts.