CVE-2017-0242 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability exists in the way some ActiveX objects are instantiated, aka "Microsoft ActiveX Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2020
The CVE-2017-0242 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Microsoft's ActiveX component architecture that affects multiple versions of Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the manner in which ActiveX objects are instantiated, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information. The flaw exists at the core of Microsoft's component object model and ActiveX technology stack, which has been integral to Windows system functionality for decades. ActiveX controls are lightweight components that provide functionality within web browsers and applications, and their improper instantiation creates a pathway for malicious actors to extract confidential data from the target system. The vulnerability demonstrates how legacy technologies can harbor security weaknesses that persist across multiple system versions and remain relevant to modern threat landscapes.
The technical implementation of this information disclosure vulnerability stems from inadequate validation mechanisms during ActiveX object instantiation processes. When certain ActiveX controls are loaded or executed, they fail to properly sanitize input parameters or validate the security context of their instantiation. This allows attackers to manipulate the loading sequence and potentially access memory locations containing sensitive information such as system paths, configuration data, or other confidential resources. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within Windows system components, specifically affecting the Windows Kernel Mode Driver Framework and related ActiveX hosting mechanisms. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in the design and implementation of component instantiation processes, categorized under CWE-248, which addresses "Uncaught Exception." The flaw creates an information exposure condition where attackers can potentially retrieve system information that should remain protected within the operating system's memory space.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0242 extends far beyond simple data exposure, as it provides attackers with foundational information that can enable more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can gather system configuration details, installed software versions, and potentially access credentials or other sensitive data stored in memory. This information disclosure creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are frequently used for business applications and web-based interfaces. The vulnerability affects systems running Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2012 R2, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these platforms. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves the use of system utilities and components to gather information and establish persistence within compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0242 must address both immediate patching requirements and long-term architectural considerations. Microsoft released security updates through their regular patching cycles that resolved the underlying instantiation issues in ActiveX components, requiring administrators to deploy these updates promptly across all affected systems. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems that may be vulnerable to ActiveX-based attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that reduce the attack surface for legacy technologies. Security teams should consider disabling unnecessary ActiveX controls and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized component execution. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious ActiveX instantiation patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the persistent security challenges posed by legacy technologies and the critical need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address both current and historical security weaknesses in enterprise environments.