CVE-2017-0292 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-2017-0291.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-0292 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting multiple Windows operating systems including Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, and 1703, as well as Windows Server 2016. This vulnerability specifically targets the Windows PDF rendering engine which is responsible for displaying PDF documents within the Windows operating system environment. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems simply by persuading users to open a maliciously crafted PDF file, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise and consumer environments where PDF documents are frequently encountered.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the Windows PDF rendering component. When a user opens a specially crafted PDF file, the malicious document contains malformed data structures or code that triggers a buffer overflow or memory corruption condition within the PDF processing engine. This memory corruption can be exploited to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially allowing an attacker to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the application. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and is classified as a privilege escalation vector within the ATT&CK framework under the T1068 technique for exploit for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to achieve complete system compromise without requiring user interaction beyond opening a PDF document. This makes the attack surface extremely broad since PDF files are commonly shared via email, web downloads, and removable media. The vulnerability affects both desktop and server environments, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access to critical infrastructure. Organizations running affected Windows versions face significant risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing emails, compromised websites, and malicious file sharing platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0292 include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches released in the February 2017 security bulletin. System administrators should implement strict PDF file handling policies, including disabling PDF preview features in web browsers and email clients, and using sandboxing technologies to isolate PDF processing. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect suspicious PDF file transfers and execution patterns. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the dangers of opening unexpected PDF files from untrusted sources. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of potentially malicious code, and maintain up-to-date antivirus signatures that can detect known exploit patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against zero-day exploits targeting widely used software components.