CVE-2017-11816 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Microsoft Windows Graphics Device Interface (GDI) 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 it handles objects in memory, aka "Windows GDI Information Disclosure Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11816 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Windows Graphics Device Interface GDI component that affects multiple versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability resides in the kernel-mode graphics subsystem responsible for handling graphical objects and rendering operations, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the core level of the operating system. The issue specifically manifests when GDI processes objects in memory, creating opportunities for attackers to extract sensitive information from system memory through carefully crafted malicious inputs.
The technical flaw stems from improper handling of graphics objects within the GDI subsystem, where insufficient validation occurs when processing certain graphical elements. This weakness allows for memory corruption that can lead to information disclosure, potentially exposing sensitive data such as kernel memory contents, cryptographic keys, or other confidential information stored in memory regions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200 as "Information Exposure" and represents a classic case of improper handling of memory objects that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The flaw exists in the way GDI manages object references and memory allocation during graphics processing operations, creating potential for information leakage through memory reads that should be restricted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially gather enough information to bypass security mechanisms, escalate privileges, or conduct further exploitation attempts. The affected systems include a broad range of Windows versions from server environments to client operating systems, making the attack surface particularly wide. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068 "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1005 "Data from Local System" as it allows for both information gathering and potential privilege escalation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects both server and desktop operating systems, with Windows Server 2008 and Windows 7 being among the affected platforms, indicating that organizations with legacy systems are at significant risk.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11816 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches, which address the underlying memory handling issues in the GDI subsystem. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit potential exploitation paths, while also monitoring for suspicious network traffic or system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions of Windows and prioritize patching efforts accordingly. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and disabling unnecessary graphics functionality can reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and highlights the critical nature of kernel-mode vulnerabilities that can provide attackers with deep system access. Regular security assessments and monitoring for indicators of compromise remain essential defensive measures, particularly for systems that cannot be immediately patched due to compatibility concerns or business requirements.