CVE-2017-8679 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Windows kernel component on 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 improperly handles objects in memory, aka "Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-8708, CVE-2017-8709, and CVE-2017-8719.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2021
The Windows kernel information disclosure vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8679 represents a critical security flaw within the kernel component of multiple Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability affects a broad range of platforms 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 versions from Gold through 1703, and Windows Server 2016. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of objects in memory, creating an information disclosure condition that could potentially expose sensitive data to unauthorized parties.
The technical flaw manifests when the Windows kernel fails to properly validate or manage memory objects during processing operations. This improper memory handling creates a condition where attackers can potentially access memory regions that should remain protected, leading to information disclosure. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200 as "Information Exposure" and represents a classic memory management error that allows unauthorized data access. The kernel component's failure to properly enforce memory boundaries creates opportunities for attackers to extract sensitive information from system memory, potentially including credentials, system configurations, or other confidential data.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments where Windows systems are deployed. Attackers could leverage this information disclosure to gain insights into system configurations, memory layouts, or other sensitive operational data that could aid in subsequent attacks. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure as the leaked information could be used to craft more sophisticated attacks or to understand system behavior for privilege escalation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1003.001 "OS Credential Dumping: LSASS Memory" and could potentially enable similar credential theft operations by providing attackers with additional information about system memory structures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8679 should focus on immediate patch deployment as provided by Microsoft through regular security updates. Organizations must ensure all affected systems receive the relevant security patches promptly, as the vulnerability exists across multiple Windows versions and server configurations. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. System monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual memory access patterns or information disclosure attempts. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement proper incident response procedures. The vulnerability's classification as an information disclosure issue means that organizations should review their data protection measures and ensure that sensitive information is properly secured even when such vulnerabilities exist. Regular security updates and patch management processes become critical in preventing exploitation of this memory handling flaw that affects such a wide range of Windows platforms.