CVE-2017-11927 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 an information vulnerability due to the way the Windows its:// protocol handler determines the zone of a request, aka "Microsoft Windows Information Disclosure Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-11927 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Microsoft Windows operating systems that affects multiple versions including Windows 7 SP1 through Windows 10 version 1709. This issue specifically targets the Windows its protocol handler implementation, which is responsible for determining the security zone of web requests. The vulnerability stems from improper zone determination mechanisms that can be manipulated to bypass security restrictions and potentially expose sensitive information. According to CWE-200, this represents a weakness in information disclosure where an attacker can obtain information that should not be accessible. The flaw exists in the way Windows processes requests through the its protocol handler, which is commonly used for handling internet transfer protocol requests in web browsers and applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious attacker crafts specially formatted requests that manipulate the zone determination process within the Windows protocol handler. This allows an attacker to potentially access resources that should be restricted to specific security zones, effectively bypassing the intended security boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to perform information disclosure attacks where sensitive data from the local system or network resources may be exposed. The attack typically requires user interaction through the exploitation of a malicious document or web page that triggers the vulnerable protocol handler. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which involves executing malicious code through legitimate system processes. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and insufficient security boundary enforcement within the Windows operating system's protocol handling mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11927 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised networks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into system configurations, network topology, and potentially sensitive data that should remain protected. The vulnerability affects enterprise environments where multiple Windows versions are deployed, making it a significant concern for organizations with diverse operating system landscapes. Organizations running affected Windows versions including Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2016 are particularly at risk. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing emails containing malicious documents, compromised websites, or social engineering campaigns that trick users into executing malicious code. This represents a critical security gap that can be exploited to undermine the integrity of Windows security models and potentially enable further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates as released through Windows Update channels. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect suspicious protocol handler usage and potential exploitation attempts. The security community recommends disabling unnecessary protocol handlers and implementing strict browser security policies to prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious content. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening untrusted documents and visiting suspicious websites. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting user privileges to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues within the Windows environment. The recommended approach aligns with security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 requirements for vulnerability management and access control.