CVE-2017-8573 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Graphics 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 elevation of privilege vulnerability when it fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka "Microsoft Graphics Component Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-8574 and CVE-2017-8556.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8573 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Microsoft's graphics component subsystem affecting multiple operating system versions including 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. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of objects in memory during graphics processing operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from standard user level to system level access. The flaw specifically impacts the Microsoft Graphics Component which manages rendering operations for various graphical elements across the Windows ecosystem, making it a prime target for exploitation due to its widespread use and critical system integration.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions in software systems, where the graphics component fails to properly validate memory access when processing graphical objects. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious graphics content or manipulating existing graphical elements in ways that trigger memory corruption during processing. The vulnerability allows an attacker with low-privilege user access to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially enabling full system compromise. This occurs because the graphics subsystem does not adequately validate the boundaries of memory objects when handling graphical data, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to gain system-level control.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8573 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a reliable method to gain administrative control over affected systems. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may have standard accounts but require access to systems with sensitive data or critical infrastructure. The flaw can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or infected removable media that trigger the graphics processing component. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," making it a significant concern for organizations that have not applied the necessary security patches. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Windows versions means that organizations must ensure comprehensive patch management across their entire infrastructure to prevent exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8573 primarily focus on applying the Microsoft security patches released in August 2017 as part of the security update cycle. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant updates to all affected systems, particularly those running older Windows versions such as Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 where the vulnerability is most prevalent. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of exploitation by reducing the attack surface available to malicious actors. Security teams should also consider deploying exploit protection mechanisms and monitoring for suspicious graphics-related processes or memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the critical nature of addressing graphics component vulnerabilities, as these subsystems often have extensive privileges and are frequently targeted by sophisticated attackers seeking persistent access to systems.