CVE-2017-8463 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Windows Shell in 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, 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allows a remote code execution vulnerability due to the way it improperly handles executable files and shares during rename operations, aka "Windows Explorer Remote Code Execution Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8463 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Windows Shell component that affects multiple operating system versions including 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, 1703, and Windows Server 2016. This vulnerability specifically manifests during file rename operations when the Windows Explorer handles executable files and network shares, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of file operations within the Windows Shell environment, particularly when dealing with executable files during rename processes. When a user or application attempts to rename a file that is currently being shared or accessed, the Windows Explorer component fails to properly validate or sanitize the file handle operations, allowing for malicious file content to be executed without proper authorization. This flaw operates at the kernel level within the shell infrastructure, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including network shares, email attachments, and malicious websites that trick users into performing specific file operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8463 is severe and far-reaching, as it enables attackers to achieve complete system compromise without requiring user interaction beyond the initial triggering of the vulnerable file operation. The vulnerability can be exploited through multiple attack surfaces including SMB network shares, web-based attacks, and social engineering campaigns that诱导 users to open malicious files or perform specific rename operations. This allows threat actors to escalate privileges, install backdoors, steal sensitive data, and maintain persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-121 indicates a buffer overflow condition, which is particularly concerning as it can lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the current process. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation), demonstrating how attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access and execute malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8463 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates, particularly the cumulative updates released in August 2017 as part of the Microsoft Security Response. Network administrators should implement strict file sharing policies and disable unnecessary network file sharing capabilities, especially for executable files. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting user permissions and implementing mandatory access controls for file operations. Additionally, organizations should deploy network monitoring solutions to detect suspicious file rename operations and implement endpoint protection measures that can identify and block malicious file execution attempts. Security teams should also consider disabling the Windows Explorer preview pane feature and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized executable files. The vulnerability's exploitation potential makes it crucial for organizations to maintain up-to-date security postures and implement comprehensive security awareness training to prevent social engineering attacks that could trigger this vulnerability through user interaction with malicious files.