CVE-2017-8584 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Windows 10 1607 and Windows Server 2016 allow an attacker to execute code remotely via a specially crafted WiFi packet aka "HoloLens Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2024
The CVE-2017-8584 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting Windows 10 version 1607 and Windows Server 2016 systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the Windows wireless networking stack and exploits a flaw in how the system processes specially crafted WiFi packets. The vulnerability earned the moniker "HoloLens Remote Code Execution Vulnerability" due to its exploitation methods and the context in which it was discovered, though it affects a broader range of Windows devices beyond just HoloLens hardware. The flaw exists within the Windows kernel-mode drivers responsible for handling wireless communication protocols, particularly those related to the 802.11 wireless standard implementation. This vulnerability allows an attacker positioned within the wireless network range to craft malicious packets that can trigger the exploit without requiring any user interaction or authentication.
The technical exploitation mechanism of CVE-2017-8584 involves a buffer overflow condition within the Windows wireless networking components that process incoming WiFi frames. When the vulnerable system receives a specially crafted 802.11 management frame containing malformed data, the kernel-mode driver fails to properly validate the packet structure, leading to memory corruption. This memory corruption allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively compromising the entire system. The vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking in the wireless protocol handling code, specifically in the way the system processes wireless frame headers and associated data fields. The flaw is classified as a heap-based buffer overflow according to CWE-121, which represents a common class of memory safety issues that enable privilege escalation attacks. The attack requires only wireless network access and does not necessitate any authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous in unsecured or poorly secured wireless environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities that align with ATT&CK technique T1059.3 for command and control through wireless networks. Once exploited, attackers can establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within a network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects enterprise environments where wireless networks are prevalent, including corporate offices, educational institutions, and public WiFi hotspots. Organizations running Windows 10 1607 and Windows Server 2016 systems face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where wireless network access is not properly segmented or secured. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it can be exploited remotely without user interaction, making it ideal for large-scale automated attacks. Security researchers have noted that the exploit can be developed and deployed using readily available tools, increasing the likelihood of widespread exploitation across vulnerable networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8584 focus on both immediate patching and network-level defenses. Microsoft released security update KB4012212 as the primary fix for this vulnerability, which addresses the underlying buffer overflow in the wireless networking components. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of this security update across all affected systems, particularly those running Windows 10 version 1607 and Windows Server 2016. Network administrators should implement wireless network segmentation and access control measures, including disabling unnecessary wireless services and implementing strong authentication protocols such as WPA2-Enterprise. Additional protective measures include monitoring wireless network traffic for suspicious frames, implementing network access control lists, and deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed wireless packets. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that reduce the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of their wireless infrastructure and ensure that all Windows systems are kept up to date with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.