CVE-2017-8564 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Windows 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, and 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allows an information disclosure vulnerability when it fails to properly initialize a memory address, aka "Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8564 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Windows kernel component of multiple operating system versions. This vulnerability specifically affects 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, and 1703, as well as Windows Server 2016. The flaw stems from the kernel's failure to properly initialize a memory address during specific operational conditions, creating an exploitable condition that could potentially expose sensitive information to unauthorized parties. This issue falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-128, which addresses "Unsigned to Signed Conversion Error" and represents a class of vulnerabilities related to improper handling of memory initialization and address management within kernel space operations.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs within the Windows kernel's memory management subsystem where insufficient initialization of memory addresses creates potential for information leakage. When the kernel processes certain memory operations, it fails to properly zero out or initialize memory locations before use, potentially leaving residual data from previous operations accessible to malicious code. This memory initialization failure allows attackers to potentially read uninitialized memory contents, which may contain sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential data that was previously stored in those memory locations. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where privilege escalation is not required for exploitation, making it accessible to less privileged users or processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8564 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked memory contents could contain critical system information that could be leveraged for further attacks. Attackers could potentially use the disclosed information to perform more sophisticated exploitation techniques, including but not limited to bypassing security mechanisms, conducting targeted attacks against specific system components, or gathering intelligence for privilege escalation. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Windows versions creates widespread exposure, particularly affecting enterprise environments where these operating systems are commonly deployed. Organizations running affected systems face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1003.001, which covers "OS Credential Dumping: LSASS Memory," as the information disclosure could potentially expose memory contents that contain credential information or security tokens.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8564 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vendor has released patches specifically addressing this memory initialization flaw. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring to detect any suspicious memory access patterns or unauthorized information disclosure attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit potential attack surface, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify any residual vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing memory protection mechanisms and ensuring that all systems are running the latest security updates. The vulnerability's classification as a kernel-level information disclosure also necessitates regular security audits of system memory management and kernel components, with particular attention to ensuring proper initialization of all memory addresses before use. Additionally, implementing defense-in-depth strategies including endpoint detection and response solutions can help identify exploitation attempts and provide early warning of potential compromise.