CVE-2017-8475 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 1703, 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-2017-8473, CVE-2017-8477, and CVE-2017-8484.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2020
The CVE-2017-8475 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 versions 1511, 1607, and 1703, as well as windows server 2016. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of kernel-mode memory management issues that can be exploited by authenticated attackers who have valid user credentials on the target system. The flaw resides in the win32k.sys driver which handles user-mode graphics and windowing operations, making it a particularly dangerous vulnerability as it operates at a privileged level within the operating system architecture. The vulnerability is classified as a memory corruption issue that stems from improper object initialization within the kernel, creating potential pathways for information disclosure attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the Windows kernel's failure to properly validate object states during memory initialization processes. When a specially crafted application is executed with authenticated user privileges, it can trigger a condition where kernel objects are not properly initialized before being accessed, leading to memory contents being exposed to unauthorized processes. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where system privileges are highest, allowing attackers to potentially extract sensitive information from kernel memory spaces. The vulnerability is categorized as a memory corruption issue that aligns with common weakness enumeration cwe-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and may also relate to cwe-129, which covers invalid input validation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to obtain sensitive information such as kernel memory addresses, credential data, or other confidential system information that could be used for further exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8475 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with valuable insights into system memory structures that can facilitate more sophisticated attacks. Since the vulnerability requires authenticated access, it cannot be exploited remotely without first compromising user credentials, but this requirement does not diminish its severity. The vulnerability can be leveraged in conjunction with other attack vectors, potentially enabling privilege escalation or information gathering that could lead to complete system compromise. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple windows versions including both desktop and server operating systems creates widespread exposure across enterprise environments, making it particularly attractive to threat actors who seek to maximize their attack surface. This vulnerability is also notable for being part of a coordinated set of related vulnerabilities including CVE-2017-8470 through CVE-2017-8484, suggesting a broader pattern of kernel memory management flaws that were addressed in microsoft's august 2017 security updates.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8475 should focus on immediate patch deployment through microsoft's security update channels, as this vulnerability was addressed in the august 2017 security bulletin. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected windows systems to ensure proper kernel object initialization handling is in place. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict access controls to limit user privileges, monitoring for unusual process behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, and deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of unauthorized applications. From an operational security perspective, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected windows versions and ensure that all patches are properly deployed and validated. The vulnerability's classification under the windows kernel memory management category also suggests that security teams should review their incident response procedures to ensure proper handling of potential information disclosure events. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and highlights the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that can quickly identify and remediate kernel-level security issues.