CVE-2017-0287 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Graphics in 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, 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allows improper disclosure of memory contents, aka "Graphics Uniscribe Information Disclosure Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-0286, CVE-2017-0288, CVE-2017-0289, CVE-2017-8531, CVE-2017-8532, and CVE-2017-8533.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2025
The Graphics Uniscribe Information Disclosure Vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting multiple windows operating systems including server and client versions. This vulnerability specifically targets the graphics rendering subsystem and the Uniscribe text processing engine that handles complex text layouts. The issue arises from improper memory handling during graphics operations that can lead to information disclosure through memory contents that should remain protected. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects widely deployed systems across enterprise environments and consumer devices, making it a prime target for exploitation.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in how the graphics subsystem manages memory allocation and deallocation during text rendering operations. When processing certain text inputs through the Uniscribe engine, the system fails to properly validate memory boundaries, potentially allowing adjacent memory regions to be accessed or exposed. This improper memory handling creates a window where sensitive data from other memory locations could be inadvertently disclosed to unauthorized processes or applications. The flaw specifically manifests when the graphics driver interacts with text processing components, creating a pathway for information leakage through memory corruption patterns that are not adequately protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across numerous Windows platforms, including legacy systems like Windows Server 2008 and Windows 7, alongside newer releases such as Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, and 1703. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to gain access to sensitive information stored in memory locations adjacent to the graphics processing components. This information disclosure could include credentials, application data, system configuration details, or other confidential information that might be stored in memory regions accessible through the flawed graphics processing path. The vulnerability's presence in both client and server operating systems means that enterprise environments face significant risk across their entire infrastructure.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability according to CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and it aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and information gathering. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of memory corruption issues that can be leveraged for privilege escalation or information disclosure attacks. Organizations should note that this vulnerability operates at a system level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by malware or attackers with minimal privileges to access otherwise protected memory contents. The affected systems span multiple years of Windows releases, indicating the longevity of this particular memory management flaw.
Mitigation strategies should focus on applying Microsoft security updates immediately, as the company released patches specifically addressing this vulnerability in their regular security bulletin cycles. System administrators should prioritize patch deployment across all affected operating systems, particularly in enterprise environments where the risk of exploitation is highest. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, monitoring for unusual memory access patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of graphics processing components. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to gather information that might be used for further attacks within the network environment.