CVE-2017-0267 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Server Message Block 1.0 (SMBv1) allows an information disclosure vulnerability in the way that 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 1703, and Windows Server 2016 handles certain requests, aka "Windows SMB Information Disclosure Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-0268, CVE-2017-0270, CVE-2017-0271, CVE-2017-0274, CVE-2017-0275, and CVE-2017-0276.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0267 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Microsoft Server Message Block version 1.0 protocol implementation across multiple Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically affects 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 1703, as well as Windows Server 2016. The flaw manifests in how these systems process certain SMBv1 requests, creating an avenue for unauthorized information disclosure that could potentially expose sensitive data to attackers.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the improper handling of specific SMBv1 request structures that cause the Windows operating system to inadvertently reveal memory contents or system information during the processing of these malformed requests. This information disclosure occurs through the SMBv1 protocol's response handling mechanism, where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize incoming request parameters before generating responses. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure" in software systems, making it a direct descendant of information leakage vulnerabilities that can compromise system integrity and confidentiality.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on SMBv1 protocols for file sharing and network communication. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to system memory contents, potentially extracting sensitive information such as credentials, system configurations, or other confidential data that could be leveraged for further attacks. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as this vulnerability could serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation or lateral movement within network environments where SMBv1 remains enabled. The vulnerability's presence in such a wide range of operating systems increases its potential attack surface significantly.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the information gathering and credential access phases, where adversaries seek to extract system information to inform their attack strategies. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in their threat modeling and incident response planning, particularly given the persistence of SMBv1 implementations across legacy systems. The vulnerability's classification as an information disclosure issue means that even if direct system compromise does not occur, the exposure of system information can still provide attackers with valuable intelligence for planning more targeted attacks. Microsoft has addressed this vulnerability through security updates, but organizations must ensure comprehensive patch management across all affected systems to prevent exploitation.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize disabling SMBv1 protocol support on affected systems, as this protocol has known security weaknesses and is largely superseded by SMBv2 and SMBv3 implementations. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict SMBv1 traffic between systems, while regular security assessments should verify that the protocol has been properly disabled. System administrators should also monitor network traffic for SMBv1 activity and implement automated patch management solutions to ensure timely deployment of security updates. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining secure network protocols and the risks associated with supporting deprecated technologies that continue to pose security threats to modern computing environments.