CVE-2017-11885 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 and RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703 and 1709, Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server, version 1709 allow a remote code execution vulnerability due to the way the Routing and Remote Access service handles requests, aka "Windows RRAS Service Remote Code Execution Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11885 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Windows operating systems that affects multiple versions including Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, and various Windows 10 releases. This vulnerability specifically targets the Routing and Remote Access service which is a core component responsible for network routing and remote access functionality. The flaw exists in how the RRAS service processes incoming requests, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without requiring authentication. This issue is particularly concerning as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems and potentially escalate privileges to system-level access, making it a high-severity vulnerability that impacts enterprise networks and individual workstations alike.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the Routing and Remote Access service implementation. When the service receives specially crafted requests, it fails to properly validate the data structures, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute malicious code. This type of vulnerability is classified as a buffer overflow or memory corruption issue, which aligns with CWE-121, which describes "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" and CWE-125, which covers "Out-of-bounds Read". The vulnerability specifically manifests when the service handles certain types of network requests that contain malformed data structures, causing the application to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. Attackers can leverage this by sending crafted packets to the affected service, potentially leading to complete system compromise and allowing them to install malware, create backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive data from the compromised systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11885 extends beyond individual system compromise to affect entire network infrastructures that rely on routing and remote access capabilities. Organizations using Windows systems with RRAS service enabled face significant risk, as attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely without requiring any credentials or prior access to the network. The vulnerability's presence in Windows Server versions means that enterprise environments with domain controllers, remote access servers, and network infrastructure components are particularly vulnerable. This makes the flaw attractive to threat actors who can leverage it for lateral movement within networks, establishing persistent access points, and conducting broader reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to data breaches, system downtime, and compromise of sensitive information, making it a priority for immediate remediation across all affected systems. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can use the compromised systems to execute commands and maintain persistence.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the relevant Microsoft security updates that address this vulnerability through the Windows Update mechanism or by manually installing the patched binaries. System administrators should also consider disabling the Routing and Remote Access service if it is not essential for business operations, as this provides an additional layer of protection. Network segmentation and firewall rules can be implemented to restrict access to the RRAS service ports, limiting potential attack vectors. Monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns and anomalous behavior related to routing services should be enabled to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing network-based intrusion detection systems and regular vulnerability assessments will help identify systems that remain unpatched or potentially compromised. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that organizations must treat it with high priority in their security response protocols, ensuring that all affected systems are patched promptly and that appropriate network monitoring is in place to detect exploitation attempts.