CVE-2017-0220 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Windows kernel in Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, and Windows Server 2012 Gold allows authenticated attackers to obtain sensitive information via a specially crafted document, aka "Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2017-0175, CVE-2017-0258, and CVE-2017-0259.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2020
The Windows kernel information disclosure vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0220 represents a significant security flaw affecting multiple Windows operating system versions including Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, and Windows Server 2012. This vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages specially crafted documents to enable authenticated attackers to extract sensitive information from the kernel memory space. The flaw specifically targets the kernel's handling of certain data structures and memory management operations, creating an information disclosure channel that could potentially expose critical system information to unauthorized users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the kernel space where the most sensitive system data resides, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate privileges or gather intelligence for more advanced attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the kernel's improper handling of memory references within specific document processing routines. When a specially crafted document is processed by the system, the kernel fails to properly validate or sanitize memory access patterns, leading to information leakage through memory corruption or improper boundary checking. This allows attackers who have authenticated access to the system to potentially read kernel memory contents that should remain protected, including potentially sensitive data structures, system pointers, or other confidential information that could aid in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses many user-mode security controls and protections that typically safeguard system integrity. The flaw falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and specifically relates to improper handling of kernel memory management operations that expose sensitive information to unauthorized access.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0220 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked kernel information can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can use the disclosed information to better understand the target system's memory layout, kernel structures, and potentially identify additional weaknesses in the system's security architecture. This information can be particularly valuable for privilege escalation attacks, where knowledge of kernel memory locations and system internals significantly increases the probability of successful exploitation. The vulnerability affects systems where users can authenticate and process documents, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple users have access to shared systems or applications that process external documents. The impact is further amplified when combined with other vulnerabilities in the same vulnerability family such as CVE-2017-0175, CVE-2017-0258, and CVE-2017-0259, which together create a comprehensive attack surface that can be exploited to achieve full system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0220 focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. Microsoft released security updates that address the kernel memory handling issues and correct the improper validation of document processing operations that lead to information disclosure. Organizations should prioritize applying the relevant security patches as soon as possible, particularly for systems running the affected Windows versions. Additionally, implementing strict document processing controls, such as disabling automatic document rendering for untrusted content, can help reduce the attack surface. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enhanced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper kernel memory management and validation procedures, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which focuses on local privilege escalation through kernel exploits. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring and detection mechanisms to identify potential exploitation attempts, particularly around kernel memory access patterns and unusual information disclosure events that could indicate successful exploitation of this vulnerability.