CVE-2017-0297 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel in Microsoft Windows Server 2008 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 an authenticated attacker to obtain information via a specially crafted application. aka "Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2017-8491, CVE-2017-8490, CVE-2017-8489, CVE-2017-8488, CVE-2017-8485, CVE-2017-8483, CVE-2017-8482, CVE-2017-8481, CVE-2017-8480, CVE-2017-8478, CVE-2017-8479, CVE-2017-8476, CVE-2017-8474, CVE-2017-8469, CVE-2017-8462, CVE-2017-0299, CVE-2017-0300.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0297 represents a significant information disclosure flaw within the Windows kernel operating system components. This issue affects multiple Windows versions including server and client operating systems, creating a widespread attack surface that could be exploited by authenticated adversaries. The vulnerability specifically resides in the kernel's handling of certain memory management operations, allowing an attacker with legitimate user credentials to extract sensitive information from the system's memory space. The flaw operates at the core level of the operating system where kernel-mode components interact with user-mode applications, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially expose critical system data that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of memory access patterns within kernel routines responsible for processing user applications. When an authenticated user executes a specially crafted application, the kernel fails to properly enforce memory boundaries, resulting in information leakage that could include kernel memory addresses, system configuration details, or other sensitive data structures. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and represents a classic case of insufficient input validation that allows attackers to bypass normal security controls. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires only authentication, meaning that an attacker who has already gained user-level access can escalate their privileges or gather intelligence for further attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0297 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked data could provide attackers with critical insights for crafting more sophisticated attacks against the targeted systems. An attacker could potentially use the leaked information to bypass exploit mitigations such as address space layout randomization or to identify specific kernel vulnerabilities that could be exploited in combination with this information disclosure. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The information leakage could enable attackers to develop more effective exploits against other vulnerabilities or to conduct advanced persistent threat campaigns where reconnaissance data is crucial for maintaining access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. Microsoft released security updates that address this specific kernel vulnerability, and organizations should prioritize applying these patches to all affected systems. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and privilege separation can limit the potential impact if an attacker manages to exploit this vulnerability. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around memory access patterns and kernel function calls. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against multiple attack vectors. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting and monitoring for unusual kernel activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of kernel security and the potential consequences of information disclosure vulnerabilities in operating system components that are fundamental to system security.