CVE-2017-8479 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel in Microsoft 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 an authenticated attacker to obtain information via a specially crafted application. aka "Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2017-8492, CVE-2017-8491, CVE-2017-8490, CVE-2017-8489, CVE-2017-8488, CVE-2017-8485, CVE-2017-8483, CVE-2017-8482, CVE-2017-8481, CVE-2017-8478, CVE-2017-8476, CVE-2017-8474, CVE-2017-8469, CVE-2017-8462, CVE-2017-0300, CVE-2017-0299, and CVE-2017-0297.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2025
The Windows kernel information disclosure vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8479 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems including server and client variants. This vulnerability specifically targets the kernel component of the operating system, which serves as the core foundation managing system resources and providing essential services to applications. The flaw enables authenticated attackers to extract sensitive information from the kernel memory space through carefully crafted applications, potentially exposing system internals that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks.
This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-200, which deals with "Information Exposure" and specifically addresses situations where systems inadvertently reveal information that could aid in compromising their security. The technical mechanism behind this flaw involves improper handling of kernel memory structures during certain operations, allowing an authenticated user to craft malicious applications that can read kernel memory locations containing sensitive data. The vulnerability does not require administrative privileges for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered by any authenticated user account on the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8479 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked kernel information could potentially reveal memory layout details, system configuration parameters, or other sensitive data that could be used to facilitate more sophisticated attacks. Attackers could use the disclosed information to better understand the target system's architecture, potentially enabling them to craft more effective exploits against other vulnerabilities or to bypass security mechanisms. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Windows versions, creating widespread exposure across enterprise environments where these systems are commonly deployed.
From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" as attackers could use the leaked information to improve their exploitation strategies. The vulnerability's classification as an information disclosure issue means it typically serves as a precursor to more serious attacks rather than being a standalone threat. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize patching their systems, as Microsoft released security updates to address the kernel memory handling issues that enabled this information disclosure. The attack surface for this vulnerability includes any authenticated user session, making it particularly concerning for environments where user access controls may be less stringent.