CVE-2017-8737 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Windows PDF Library in Microsoft Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user, due to the way that Windows PDF Library handles objects in memory, aka "Windows PDF Remote Code Execution Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-8728.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-8737 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Windows PDF Library components that affects multiple Windows operating system versions including Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of objects within memory by the Windows PDF Library, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. The flaw specifically manifests when the PDF library processes malformed or specially crafted PDF objects, allowing attackers to leverage memory corruption techniques to gain unauthorized system access. This issue is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read vulnerability and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Execution, demonstrating how attackers can exploit memory handling weaknesses to achieve code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of PDF objects that the Windows PDF Library processes when rendering PDF documents. When a user opens a maliciously crafted PDF file, the library's insufficient validation of object boundaries leads to memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite critical memory locations. The flaw does not require administrative privileges for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through user interaction with malicious content. Attackers typically craft PDF files containing specially formatted objects that cause the library to access memory outside of its intended bounds, potentially leading to stack corruption, heap corruption, or other memory-related vulnerabilities that can be exploited to inject and execute malicious code. The vulnerability affects the Windows PDF Library component specifically, which is responsible for parsing and rendering PDF documents within the Windows operating system environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8737 extends beyond simple code execution as it represents a significant threat to enterprise security infrastructure and individual user systems. Organizations running affected Windows versions face potential compromise of user sessions, data breaches, and lateral movement opportunities for attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability. The remote nature of the attack means that users can be compromised through email attachments, web downloads, or even malicious websites that serve crafted PDF content. This vulnerability particularly impacts environments where users frequently interact with PDF documents, making it a prime target for phishing campaigns and targeted attacks. The fact that multiple Windows versions are affected increases the potential attack surface significantly, as organizations may have various systems running different affected versions, complicating remediation efforts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8737 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, particularly Windows Update and Microsoft Update. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while also deploying endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block malicious PDF content. Security teams should consider disabling PDF rendering in web browsers and email clients where possible, and implement strict file type validation for PDF documents. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious PDF-related activities and implementing user awareness training can help reduce the risk of successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and highlights the need for continuous vulnerability assessment programs that can identify and remediate similar memory corruption issues across the enterprise environment.