CVE-2017-8710 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Microsoft Common Console Document (.msc) in Microsoft Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1 allows an attacker to read arbitrary files via an XML external entity (XXE) declaration, due to the way that the Microsoft Common Console Document (.msc) parses XML input containing a reference to an external entity, aka "Windows Information Disclosure Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8710 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Microsoft Windows operating systems, specifically affecting Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 SP2, and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1. This vulnerability resides in the Microsoft Common Console Document (.msc) parsing mechanism, which is utilized by the Windows Console application for processing configuration and management files. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of XML content, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit XML external entity processing capabilities. When a specially crafted .msc file is processed, the system's XML parser fails to properly restrict external entity references, allowing attackers to construct malicious XML documents that can trigger unauthorized file access patterns.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through XML external entity (XXE) injection techniques where an attacker crafts an .msc document containing malicious XML declarations that reference external entities. The Microsoft Common Console Document parser processes these XML structures without adequate protection against external entity resolution, enabling attackers to specify file paths that can be accessed by the system. This processing occurs within the context of the Windows Console application, which typically runs with elevated privileges, making the potential impact significantly more severe. The vulnerability manifests as an information disclosure weakness where arbitrary file content can be retrieved from the target system, potentially including sensitive configuration data, user credentials, or system files that should remain protected.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8710 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can facilitate further attack vectors within compromised environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to sensitive files that may contain authentication credentials, system configurations, or other valuable data that could be used for privilege escalation or lateral movement within a network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through various attack vectors including email attachments, malicious websites, or file sharing scenarios where users might open compromised .msc files. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions and server configurations increases its potential attack surface, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments that may have legacy systems still running these affected versions.
Security mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8710 should focus on both immediate patching and operational controls. Microsoft released security updates that addressed the XML parsing behavior in the affected systems, and organizations should prioritize applying these patches as soon as possible. Additionally, implementing strict file type validation and content inspection for .msc files can help prevent exploitation, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted files. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation, while security awareness training can help reduce the risk of users opening malicious attachments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-611, which specifically addresses improper restriction of XML external entity reference, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as exploitation often involves crafting malicious XML content that can be executed within the Windows console environment. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of potentially malicious .msc files, and establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.