CVE-2017-0245 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel-mode drivers in Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2012 Gold allow a local authenticated attacker to execute a specially crafted application to obtain kernel information, aka "Win32k Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0245 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Windows kernel-mode drivers that affects multiple operating system versions including Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, as well as Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2012 Gold. This vulnerability resides in the win32k.sys driver component which handles user-mode graphics operations and kernel-mode system calls, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks. The flaw specifically impacts the Win32k subsystem that manages graphical user interface elements and system-level operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to extract sensitive kernel information through carefully crafted applications.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves improper validation of user-mode input within kernel-mode driver functions, allowing an authenticated local attacker to manipulate the system's memory structures and access kernel-level information that should remain protected. This type of flaw falls under CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure," and represents a classic example of how improper input validation in kernel-space components can lead to privilege escalation and information disclosure. The vulnerability occurs when the win32k.sys driver fails to properly validate certain parameters passed from user-mode applications, creating an opportunity for attackers to probe kernel memory locations and extract sensitive data that could aid in further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with kernel-level information that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation and system compromise. An authenticated local attacker with standard user privileges can exploit this vulnerability to gain access to kernel memory addresses, system structures, and other sensitive information that would normally be protected from user-mode access. This information disclosure capability enables attackers to bypass security mechanisms and develop more targeted exploits against the operating system. The vulnerability affects systems running on both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple system configurations may be present. The attack vector requires local system access and authentication, which means the vulnerability is often exploited in targeted attacks or after initial compromise through other means.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0245 primarily focus on applying Microsoft security updates and patches that address the underlying driver validation issues. Organizations should prioritize patch management and ensure all affected systems receive the relevant security updates from Microsoft, particularly the cumulative updates released in the April 2017 security bulletin. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as enabling kernel-mode driver validation, implementing application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for suspicious system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and organizations should consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect potential exploitation attempts involving kernel-mode information disclosure. Additionally, network segmentation and least privilege access controls can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning can help identify systems that may not have received the necessary patches.