CVE-2017-8562 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, and 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allows an elevation of privilege vulnerability due to Windows improperly handling calls to Advanced Local Procedure Call (ALPC), aka "Windows ALPC Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The Windows ALPC elevation of privilege vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in multiple Microsoft operating system versions that stems from improper handling of Advanced Local Procedure Call operations. This vulnerability affects Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, and 1703, as well as Windows Server 2016. The issue manifests when the operating system fails to correctly validate and process ALPC calls, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from standard user level to system level access. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access control issues, specifically within the context of operating system kernel components.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of ALPC communication mechanisms that are fundamental to Windows process interaction and system service calls. When applications or processes make ALPC calls to system services, the operating system kernel should properly validate these requests and ensure appropriate access controls are enforced. However, in this case, the validation process contains a flaw that allows a local attacker to craft malicious ALPC requests that bypass normal privilege checks. This flaw enables attackers to execute code with elevated privileges, potentially gaining complete system control. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring network connectivity or complex attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential full system compromise and data breach scenarios. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges, effectively bypassing all standard user access controls and security boundaries. This capability allows for complete system takeover, persistence mechanisms installation, and access to all system resources including sensitive user data, system configurations, and network communications. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where it could enable attackers to move laterally across networks, escalate to domain administrator privileges, and maintain persistent access to critical infrastructure. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be leveraged for initial access and lateral movement phases of cyber attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment from Microsoft, as the primary fix involves applying the security update released in the August 2017 security bulletin. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary updates without delay. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access control measures can limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual process creation patterns and ALPC-related system calls that might indicate exploitation attempts. System hardening practices including disabling unnecessary services, implementing least privilege principles, and maintaining up-to-date antivirus signatures should complement the patching efforts. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous ALPC usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as these systems provide additional layers of defense beyond traditional signature-based detection methods.