CVE-2017-11772 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Microsoft Windows Search component on 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, and 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allows an information disclosure when it fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka "Microsoft Search Information Disclosure Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2021
The Microsoft Search Information Disclosure Vulnerability CVE-2017-11772 represents a critical security flaw within the Windows Search component that affects multiple versions of the Windows operating system. This vulnerability specifically targets the memory handling mechanisms of the search functionality, creating potential pathways for unauthorized information disclosure. The affected systems include 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, and 1703, as well as Windows Server 2016. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of objects in memory, which can lead to sensitive data exposure during normal search operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which describes "Information Exposure," and specifically relates to improper handling of memory objects within the search component. When the Windows Search service processes certain search queries or encounters specific file types, it fails to properly validate or sanitize memory objects, potentially leading to information disclosure. This flaw operates at the kernel level within the search subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers to gain access to sensitive information that should remain protected. The vulnerability is classified as a memory corruption issue that allows for information leakage through improper object handling rather than direct code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11772 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to extract sensitive data from the system through carefully crafted search operations. This vulnerability can be exploited in various attack scenarios including privilege escalation, lateral movement, and data exfiltration. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1005 "Data from Local System" and potentially T1059 "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as attackers may leverage the information disclosure to gather intelligence about the target system. Organizations running affected versions of Windows are particularly vulnerable as the search functionality is widely used and often enabled by default, providing attackers with multiple potential entry points for information gathering.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11772 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches released in the July 2017 security updates, which specifically address the memory handling issues within the Windows Search component. System administrators should ensure that all affected Windows systems receive the appropriate updates and that the search service is properly configured to minimize exposure. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to sensitive systems, monitoring search-related activities for suspicious patterns, and maintaining updated intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary search functionality on critical systems and implementing strict access controls to prevent unauthorized users from leveraging this vulnerability for information disclosure attacks.