CVE-2017-11783 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, and 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allows an elevation of privilege vulnerability in the way it handles calls to Advanced Local Procedure Call (ALPC), aka "Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11783 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Microsoft Windows operating systems affecting multiple versions including Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, and 1703, as well as Windows Server 2016. This vulnerability specifically manifests in the handling of Advanced Local Procedure Call (ALPC) operations, which are fundamental components of Windows inter-process communication mechanisms. The flaw allows an attacker with limited user privileges to escalate their access rights to system-level privileges, potentially enabling complete system compromise.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper validation of ALPC handles during inter-process communication operations. When Windows processes make calls through the ALPC interface, the system should validate the legitimacy of the handles being used to prevent unauthorized access. However, the flaw allows malicious code to manipulate these validation checks, enabling attackers to forge or manipulate ALPC handles to gain elevated privileges. This issue falls under CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, specifically targeting the improper handling of system resources during privilege escalation scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to perform unauthorized privilege escalation attacks without requiring physical access or complex exploitation techniques. An attacker could potentially leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with system-level privileges, allowing them to install malware, modify system files, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects systems where users can run applications with standard user privileges, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may have legitimate access to systems but should not possess administrative rights.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11783 should prioritize immediate application of Microsoft security updates, as the vulnerability was addressed through the July 2017 security bulletin. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary updates promptly. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for suspicious ALPC activity and implement network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation,' and organizations should consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions to detect anomalous ALPC handle usage patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.