CVE-2017-0299 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel in 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, 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-2017-0300, and CVE-2017-0297.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2025
This vulnerability represents a kernel-level information disclosure flaw in Microsoft Windows operating systems that affects multiple versions including 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 versions 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of kernel-mode operations that allow authenticated attackers to extract sensitive information from the system memory. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure" weaknesses in software systems. The flaw exists within the kernel's memory management functions where insufficient validation occurs during certain privilege escalation operations, creating potential information leakage pathways.
The technical execution of this vulnerability requires an authenticated user context, meaning that an attacker must first establish a valid login session on the target system before attempting exploitation. Attackers can craft specially designed applications that trigger specific kernel functions to read memory locations that should normally be protected from user-mode access. This information disclosure can potentially reveal kernel memory addresses, system configuration details, or other sensitive data that could aid in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient privilege checking where kernel components fail to properly validate the security context of requesting processes, allowing for unauthorized information retrieval.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0299 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked kernel information can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gather data that helps in bypassing security mechanisms such as address space layout randomization or kernel address space protection features. This information leakage creates opportunities for advanced persistent threats to develop more effective exploitation strategies, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system compromise. The vulnerability's presence in so many Windows versions indicates a fundamental flaw in the kernel's information handling mechanisms that affects a broad attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate patching and operational security enhancements. Microsoft released security updates that address this specific kernel information disclosure issue, and system administrators should prioritize applying these patches across all affected systems. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access control measures can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and control communications, as information gathered through this vulnerability could facilitate further attack progression. Organizations should also consider implementing kernel-mode exploit detection mechanisms and monitoring for anomalous memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The presence of this vulnerability in multiple Windows versions underscores the importance of maintaining comprehensive patch management programs and continuous security assessments to identify and remediate similar kernel-level weaknesses.