CVE-2017-8473 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, and Windows Server 2016 allow an authenticated attacker to run a specially crafted application when the Windows kernel improperly initializes objects in memory, aka "Win32k Information Disclosure Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-8470, CVE-2017-8471, CVE-2017-8472, CVE-2017-8475, CVE-2017-8477, and CVE-2017-8484.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2024
The CVE-2017-8473 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Windows kernel's object initialization process, specifically affecting multiple versions of the windows operating system including windows 7 sp1, windows server 2008 sp2 and r2 sp1, windows server 2012 and r2, windows 10 gold, 1511, 1607, and windows server 2016. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of kernel-mode memory management issues that can be exploited by authenticated attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information. The flaw manifests when the win32k.sys kernel driver fails to properly initialize objects in memory, creating potential pathways for information disclosure attacks that could reveal critical system data to malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper object initialization within the windows kernel's graphics subsystem, specifically within the win32k.sys driver which handles user-mode graphics operations. When an authenticated user executes a specially crafted application, the kernel's failure to properly initialize memory objects can result in information disclosure that may include sensitive kernel memory contents, system pointers, or other confidential data structures. This type of vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumerations such as cwe-248, which describes exposure of exception information, and represents a classic example of how improper handling of kernel memory initialization can create security risks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where privilege escalation opportunities are maximized.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations running affected windows versions, as it allows authenticated attackers to potentially extract sensitive information that could be used in subsequent attacks. The information disclosure could reveal memory layout details, system configuration data, or other sensitive kernel information that would aid in developing more sophisticated exploitation techniques. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability as a stepping stone for privilege escalation or as part of a broader attack chain targeting enterprise networks. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise, as the vulnerability affects multiple windows server and desktop operating system versions, creating widespread exposure across enterprise environments. This aligns with attack pattern taxonomy elements related to information gathering and reconnaissance activities that precede more destructive attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8473 should prioritize immediate patch application through microsoft security updates, as this addresses the root cause of the memory initialization flaw. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit user privileges and reduce the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for suspicious process execution patterns, particularly around graphics-related applications, and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted code. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected windows versions and ensure proper patch management processes are in place. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and highlights the need for comprehensive security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns associated with kernel-level exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing advanced threat detection capabilities that can identify potential exploitation attempts targeting similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.