CVE-2017-0272 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Microsoft Server Message Block 1.0 (SMBv1) server on 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 allows an attacker to execute remote code by the way it handles certain requests, aka "Windows SMB Remote Code Execution Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-0277, CVE-2017-0278, and CVE-2017-0279.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-0272 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft's Server Message Block version 1.0 protocol implementation on 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 exists in how the SMBv1 server component processes certain incoming requests, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without requiring authentication. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because SMBv1 has been deprecated for years and is still enabled by default on many systems, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access to networks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the SMBv1 server implementation, which fails to properly handle malformed or specially crafted requests sent over the network. When an attacker sends specifically crafted SMB packets to a vulnerable system, the server processes these requests in a manner that leads to memory corruption, ultimately allowing the attacker to gain remote code execution privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" conditions where insufficient validation of input data leads to buffer overflows that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw because attackers can exploit it from any location on the network, provided they can communicate with the target system over SMB ports.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0272 extends far beyond individual system compromise, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access to entire networks through lateral movement and privilege escalation techniques. Once an attacker gains execution privileges through this vulnerability, they can leverage the compromised system as a foothold for further network infiltration, potentially accessing sensitive data, deploying additional malware, or establishing command and control channels. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1075, which describes the use of legitimate credentials and network protocols for persistence and access. Organizations with multiple vulnerable systems are particularly at risk, as the vulnerability can be used to spread malware across entire networks without requiring any user interaction or authentication, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and malware campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0272 should focus on immediate disabling of SMBv1 protocol across all affected systems, as this protocol is considered obsolete and insecure. Microsoft recommends disabling SMBv1 through Group Policy settings or registry modifications, though the recommended approach varies by operating system version. Network administrators should also implement firewall rules to block SMB traffic on ports 139 and 445, preventing external exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of Windows and ensure proper patching through Microsoft's security updates. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw makes it particularly dangerous, as it can be exploited without user interaction, making traditional endpoint protection measures insufficient for prevention. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect unusual SMB traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability is often exploited in automated attacks targeting multiple systems simultaneously.