CVE-2017-11850 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Graphics Component in 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 an attacker to log on to an affected system and run a specially crafted application due to improper handling of objects in memory, aka "Microsoft Graphics Component Information Disclosure Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11850 resides within Microsoft's Graphics Component, a critical subsystem responsible for rendering graphical content across various Windows operating systems. This flaw affects a broad range of Microsoft products including Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 versions from Gold through 1709, and Windows Server 2016. The vulnerability manifests as an information disclosure issue that occurs when the graphics component improperly handles objects in memory, creating a pathway for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access and execute arbitrary code on compromised systems.
This vulnerability represents a classic case of improper input validation and memory management within Windows graphics rendering subsystems. The flaw stems from how the Graphics Component processes and manages graphical objects in memory without adequate safeguards against malformed or malicious input. When an attacker crafts a specially designed application that exploits this weakness, the system's memory handling mechanisms fail to properly validate or sanitize the graphical objects, potentially leading to information disclosure and privilege escalation. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-20 as "Improper Input Validation" and specifically relates to improper handling of memory objects during graphics processing operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11850 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the Windows environment. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can potentially execute code with the privileges of the compromised user account, which may lead to full system compromise. The attack vector typically involves tricking a user into running a malicious application that leverages the graphics component's memory handling flaw. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" when attackers use the initial access to escalate privileges and maintain persistence within the compromised environment.
Microsoft has addressed this vulnerability through security updates that improve the Graphics Component's memory handling and input validation mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize applying these patches to protect against exploitation attempts, particularly given the widespread affected systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure memory management in graphics rendering components, as these subsystems often handle complex data structures that require robust validation. Security professionals should monitor for exploitation attempts and implement network-based protections to detect malicious applications attempting to leverage this vulnerability, as the information disclosure aspect can provide attackers with valuable insights into system memory structures and potentially aid in developing more sophisticated attack vectors.