CVE-2017-0291 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Windows PDF in Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allows remote code execution if a user opens a specially crafted PDF file, aka "Windows PDF Remote Code Execution Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-0292.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2024
The Windows PDF Remote Code Execution Vulnerability CVE-2017-0291 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft's PDF handling components across multiple Windows operating systems. This vulnerability affects Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016, making it a widespread concern for enterprise environments. The flaw resides in how Windows processes PDF files, specifically in the parsing and rendering mechanisms that handle embedded objects and scripts within PDF documents. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, which occurs when the PDF parser attempts to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries during document processing.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting a malicious PDF file that triggers improper memory handling within the Windows PDF rendering engine. When a user opens such a specially crafted file, the malicious code can execute with the privileges of the current user, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of PDF file structures and embedded content, particularly in how the system handles certain types of object references and cross-reference tables. This flaw enables attackers to leverage the PDF viewer component to execute arbitrary code, bypassing standard security controls and potentially leading to complete system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Windows systems for document handling and processing. The attack surface is extensive given the widespread use of PDF files in business environments, making it a prime target for phishing campaigns and social engineering attacks. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, and malicious websites. The remote code execution capability means that attackers can potentially establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and deploy additional malware without requiring physical access to the target system. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0291 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches, as well as network-level defenses such as PDF file filtering and sandboxing solutions. Organizations should implement strict email filtering policies to prevent malicious PDF attachments from reaching end users, while also considering the deployment of web application firewalls to block access to known malicious PDF content. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that reduce the attack surface for document processing components. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should emphasize the risks of opening untrusted PDF files, particularly those received through email or downloaded from unverified sources, to minimize the likelihood of successful exploitation attempts.