CVE-2017-8528 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Uniscribe 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, Windows Server 2016, Microsoft Office 2007 SP3, and Microsoft Office 2010 SP2 allows a remote code execution vulnerability due to the way it handles objects in memory, aka "Windows Uniscribe Remote Code Execution Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-0283.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-8528 resides within the Uniscribe text processing engine component of Microsoft Windows operating systems and Office applications, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that affects multiple versions spanning from Windows Server 2008 through Windows 10 and Microsoft Office 2007 to 2010. This vulnerability specifically manifests when Uniscribe processes specially crafted text objects in memory, creating a condition where malicious input can trigger arbitrary code execution on affected systems. The flaw operates at the core text rendering layer of the Windows operating system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, web content, and document files that utilize rich text formatting capabilities.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within the Uniscribe library, which is responsible for advanced text layout and rendering operations in Windows applications. When processing Unicode text with complex formatting, the component fails to properly validate input parameters and memory boundaries, leading to potential buffer overflows or memory corruption conditions. This memory handling flaw falls under the CWE-121 category of "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" when exploited through malicious document automation. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that can overwrite critical program execution pointers or inject malicious code into the running process, effectively granting remote attackers complete system compromise capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8528 extends far beyond individual system compromise, as it represents a significant threat to enterprise environments where Microsoft Office applications are widely deployed. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through social engineering campaigns targeting email systems, web-based attacks on vulnerable servers, or through malicious document files that appear legitimate but contain crafted text elements designed to trigger the memory corruption. The vulnerability affects not only desktop operating systems but also server environments, making it particularly dangerous for organizations running Windows Server 2008 and 2012 systems that may still be in production use. Organizations face potential data breaches, system takeover, and lateral movement opportunities for attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability, as the compromised systems can serve as launching points for further network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8528 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vulnerability has been fully addressed through official Microsoft security bulletins. System administrators should implement comprehensive network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual document processing activities or network connections from compromised systems. The implementation of application whitelisting policies can help prevent execution of malicious code through Office applications, while disabling unnecessary text formatting features in email clients and web browsers can reduce attack surface. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying exploit protection mechanisms and ensuring that all systems are running current security patches, as the vulnerability affects multiple versions of Windows and Office that may not receive extended support. The ATT&CK framework recommends implementing defensive measures such as process monitoring and behavioral analysis to detect anomalous text processing activities that could indicate exploitation attempts, while compliance with cybersecurity standards like NIST SP 800-171 and ISO 27001 should include specific controls for memory safety and input validation in text processing components.