CVE-2018-0754 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Windows Adobe Type Manager Font Driver (Atmfd.dll) in Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 and RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703 and 1709, Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server, version 1709 allows an information disclosure vulnerability due to the way objects are handled in memory, aka "OpenType Font Driver Information Disclosure Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0754 resides within the Windows Adobe Type Manager Font Driver component known as Atmfd.dll which is responsible for processing OpenType font files on various Windows operating systems. This flaw affects a broad range of Microsoft Windows versions including Windows 7 SP1 through Windows 10 version 1709, as well as multiple Windows Server editions. The vulnerability manifests as an information disclosure issue that occurs when the font driver processes malformed or specially crafted font objects in memory, creating potential exposure of sensitive data from system memory.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of font objects within the Atmfd.dll module during memory operations. When the Windows font subsystem processes certain OpenType font files, the driver fails to properly validate or sanitize the memory access patterns associated with font object structures. This inadequate memory management allows for information leakage that could expose previously allocated memory contents, potentially including sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential information stored in adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses improper information disclosure, and represents a classic example of memory safety issues in font processing components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple Windows environments and presents significant security implications for organizations relying on affected systems. Attackers could potentially exploit this flaw by crafting malicious font files designed to trigger the information disclosure behavior when processed by the affected Windows systems. The vulnerability could be leveraged in various attack scenarios including phishing campaigns, malware delivery mechanisms, or privilege escalation attempts where attackers might seek to extract sensitive information from memory. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where Windows systems process numerous font files from various sources, making it a potentially widespread concern for information security teams across different organizational sectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0754 should prioritize immediate application of Microsoft security updates and patches released to address the specific memory handling issues within the Atmfd.dll component. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected Windows systems receive the necessary updates promptly. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict font file processing, deploying enhanced monitoring for unusual font processing activities, and configuring system hardening measures to limit potential information leakage. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining robust memory safety practices in system components that handle untrusted data inputs, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for font driver exploitation. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar memory safety issues in other system components.