CVE-2017-11852 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft GDI Component in Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1 allows an attacker to log on to an affected system and run a specially crafted application to compromise the user's system, due improperly disclosing kernel memory addresses, aka "Windows GDI Information Disclosure Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11852 resides within Microsoft's Graphics Device Interface GDI component, a critical subsystem responsible for rendering graphics and handling graphical operations in Windows operating systems. This flaw affects Windows 7 Service Pack 1, Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2, and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these systems in enterprise environments. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of kernel memory addresses within the GDI subsystem, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks that can ultimately lead to complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves information disclosure mechanisms within the Windows GDI component that inadvertently expose kernel memory addresses to user-mode applications. When a malicious application interacts with the GDI subsystem, it can trigger memory access patterns that reveal sensitive kernel memory locations. This information disclosure represents a classic case of insufficient access control and memory protection mechanisms, allowing an attacker to gain insights into the kernel's memory layout. The flaw operates through the Graphics Device Interface's handling of certain graphic operations and memory management functions, where improper validation and sanitization of memory addresses leads to the exposure of kernel pointers and memory regions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for attackers seeking to escalate privileges and achieve persistent access to affected systems. The information disclosure aspect enables attackers to perform advanced exploitation techniques such as kernel address space layout randomization (ASLR) bypassing, which is a crucial step in modern exploit development. Once an attacker obtains these kernel memory addresses, they can craft more sophisticated attacks that leverage the exposed information to defeat security mitigations and execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability essentially provides a foothold for attackers to move beyond standard user-level access and gain complete control over the affected systems.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is substantial given that GDI operations are frequently used throughout the Windows operating system for graphical user interface rendering, print operations, and various system services. An attacker can exploit this through a specially crafted application that triggers the vulnerable GDI functions, potentially through malicious documents, web content, or other attack vectors that cause the system to process graphics operations. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through multiple vectors and does not require specialized knowledge or tools beyond a basic understanding of Windows kernel exploitation techniques. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper information disclosure in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in operating system security design.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11852 should focus on immediate patch deployment as the primary defense mechanism, with Microsoft releasing security updates that address the improper memory handling within the GDI component. Organizations should also implement additional security controls including application whitelisting, restricted user privileges, and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust memory protection mechanisms and proper kernel memory management, with defensive measures such as kernel address space layout randomization (KASLR) and control flow integrity (CFI) providing additional layers of protection against similar information disclosure vulnerabilities. Security teams should also consider monitoring for suspicious GDI-related activity and implement comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts.