CVE-2017-8682 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Windows graphics 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, Windows Server 2016, Microsoft Office Word Viewer, Microsoft Office 2007 Service Pack 3 , and Microsoft Office 2010 Service Pack 2 allows an attacker to execute remote code by the way it handles embedded fonts, aka "Win32k Graphics Remote Code Execution Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-8683.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-8682 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Windows graphics subsystem that affects 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 specifically targets the Win32k graphics component which is responsible for handling graphics operations and font rendering within the Windows operating system. The flaw arises from improper handling of embedded fonts within Windows graphics processing, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects a core system component that is integral to Windows graphics functionality and user interaction with graphical content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of font data within the Windows graphics subsystem. When Windows processes documents containing embedded fonts, particularly those with malformed or maliciously crafted font structures, the Win32k graphics driver fails to properly validate the font data before processing it. This leads to memory corruption conditions that can be exploited to gain arbitrary code execution privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, where the graphics subsystem attempts to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This type of flaw allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite critical system structures, enabling privilege escalation and full system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8682 extends beyond traditional exploitation vectors as it can be triggered through various attack surfaces including email attachments, web downloads, and document processing. Attackers can craft malicious documents or web content containing specially crafted fonts that, when processed by vulnerable Windows systems, trigger the exploitation chain. This vulnerability affects Microsoft Office Word Viewer and Microsoft Office 2007 Service Pack 3, and Microsoft Office 2010 Service Pack 2, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these applications are commonly used. The vulnerability's presence in Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, and 1703 demonstrates the persistence of this flaw across multiple Windows releases, indicating that the root cause was not adequately addressed in the affected codebase. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability can be exploited through both user interaction and automated attacks, making it suitable for widespread deployment in malware campaigns.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant security patches from Microsoft, which address the underlying font processing flaws in the Win32k graphics subsystem. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional protection layers, particularly for systems that cannot immediately receive patches. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell and T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation typically involves command execution capabilities once the initial memory corruption is achieved. Security monitoring should focus on unusual graphics processing activities and font-related system calls that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw places it within the critical severity category, requiring immediate attention from security teams. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous behavior patterns associated with memory corruption exploits, particularly those involving graphics subsystem calls and font processing functions.