CVE-2017-11768 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Windows Media Player in Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 8.1 and RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and 1709, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server, version 1709 allows remote attackers to test for the presence of files on disk via a specially crafted application. due to the way Windows Media Player discloses file information, aka "Windows Media Player Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11768 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Windows Media Player across multiple operating system versions including Windows 7 SP1 through Windows 10 version 1709. This vulnerability stems from how Windows Media Player handles file information disclosure when processing specially crafted media files, creating an avenue for remote attackers to infer the existence of specific files on target systems. The flaw specifically affects systems running Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 8.1 and RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and 1709, as well as Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server version 1709. The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to perform reconnaissance activities by testing for file presence on disk through crafted application inputs.
The underlying technical mechanism involves Windows Media Player's improper handling of file path information during media file processing, which inadvertently reveals whether specific files exist on the target system's file system. When processing maliciously crafted media files, the player exhibits behavior that provides indirect information about file existence, enabling attackers to map file structures and potentially identify sensitive files. This information disclosure occurs through the application's error handling mechanisms and response patterns when encountering malformed or specially constructed media files. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for systems accessible over networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with reconnaissance capabilities that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker can systematically test for the presence of specific files or directories on a target system, potentially identifying sensitive data, system files, or application-specific resources. This reconnaissance capability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the information gathering phase, specifically targeting the T1083 discovery technique for file and directory enumeration. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can perform these tests from external networks, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where Windows Media Player may be present on systems that are not properly isolated from external threats.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader information disclosure threat landscape, where applications inadvertently reveal system information that can be exploited for further attacks. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-200 (Information Exposure) indicates that it represents a fundamental flaw in how the application handles sensitive information. Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, implementation of network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for unusual file system access patterns. Organizations should also consider disabling Windows Media Player functionality where possible or implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and error handling in media processing applications, as well as the need for comprehensive security testing of multimedia components within operating systems.