CVE-2017-11815 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Microsoft Server Block Message (SMB) 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 vulnerability in the way that it handles certain requests, aka "Windows SMB Information Disclosure Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2021
The CVE-2017-11815 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Microsoft's Server Message Block protocol implementation across multiple operating systems. This vulnerability specifically affects 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 flaw manifests when the SMB service processes certain malformed requests, creating an opportunity for unauthorized information disclosure that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper input validation within the SMB protocol handler, which fails to adequately sanitize incoming requests before processing them. When a malicious actor sends specifically crafted SMB requests to a vulnerable system, the protocol implementation does not properly validate the structure or content of these requests, leading to potential memory disclosure or information leakage. This behavior aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how protocol-level vulnerabilities can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to system information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because SMB is a fundamental network protocol used for file sharing and system communication, making it a prime target for exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11815 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked information can provide attackers with valuable insights into system configurations, memory layouts, and potentially sensitive data structures. This information can be leveraged to facilitate further attacks, including privilege escalation, lateral movement within networks, or targeted exploitation of other vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's presence across such a wide range of Windows versions, from older systems like Windows Server 2008 to newer releases like Windows 10 1703, indicates a widespread exposure that affects both enterprise environments and individual users. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely without authentication, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where SMB services are exposed to external networks. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely fall under T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1105 (Remote File Copy) techniques, as it enables unauthorized access to system information and potential file system manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11815 should focus on immediate patch deployment, as Microsoft released security updates in their November 2017 security bulletin. Organizations should disable SMBv1 services where possible, as this protocol version is inherently more vulnerable and largely unnecessary in modern network environments. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict SMB traffic to trusted networks only, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous SMB traffic patterns. Additionally, implementing network access controls and disabling unnecessary SMB shares can significantly reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability's exploitation potential makes it essential for organizations to conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments and ensure all systems are properly patched and monitored for potential compromise.