CVE-2018-1008 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows Adobe Type Manager Font Driver (ATMFD.dll) when it fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka "OpenType Font Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1008 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Windows Adobe Type Manager Font Driver component known as ATMFD.dll. This issue stems from improper handling of memory objects during font processing operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges within the operating system. The vulnerability specifically affects multiple Windows versions including Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 10, and Windows 10 Servers, indicating a widespread impact across the Windows ecosystem. The flaw resides in how the font driver processes OpenType font files, particularly when dealing with malformed or specially crafted font data that triggers memory corruption conditions. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-121, which describes "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-125, "Out-of-bounds Read," as the driver fails to properly validate font data structures before processing them in memory. From an operational perspective, successful exploitation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially enabling complete system compromise. The attack typically requires local user access and involves crafting malicious font files that, when processed by the affected system, trigger the memory handling flaw in ATMFD.dll. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious font files through email attachments, web downloads, or removable media. The vulnerability operates within the ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Privilege Escalation, specifically utilizing the technique of "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" where the attacker leverages a software flaw to gain higher system privileges. The memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability makes it particularly dangerous as it can lead to arbitrary code execution, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors. Organizations running affected Windows versions face substantial risk since the vulnerability can be exploited through legitimate font processing pathways, making detection and prevention challenging. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise to potential network-wide infiltration, especially in environments where users have the ability to process untrusted font content. Mitigation strategies include applying the Microsoft security update released as part of the patch cycle, disabling font processing for untrusted sources, and implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict font file execution. Additionally, system administrators should consider network segmentation and monitoring for unusual font processing activities, as the vulnerability requires legitimate font processing to be triggered, making it detectable through appropriate security monitoring.
The technical nature of this vulnerability demonstrates how font processing components can serve as attack vectors in modern operating systems. The ATMFD.dll driver is responsible for handling font rendering operations in Windows, and when processing OpenType fonts, it fails to properly validate the structure of font data before attempting to load it into memory. This inadequate validation creates opportunities for attackers to craft font files with malformed data structures that cause memory corruption when processed by the driver. The flaw essentially allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and execution flow through carefully constructed font files, bypassing normal privilege boundaries. The vulnerability's classification as an elevation of privilege issue means that successful exploitation would allow an attacker to execute code with the privileges of the SYSTEM account, providing complete control over the affected system. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious font files through various attack vectors. The exploitability of this vulnerability requires a local attacker with the ability to execute code on the target system, typically through social engineering or by tricking users into opening malicious font files. The memory corruption that occurs during font processing creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical memory locations, potentially leading to code execution at higher privilege levels. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability operates through a classic buffer overflow mechanism, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite memory regions that control program execution flow.
From a security compliance perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant concern for organizations adhering to standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001, as it creates a pathway for unauthorized privilege escalation that could lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe given that Windows systems are often deployed in environments where users have broad access to processing capabilities, including font rendering for documents, presentations, and web content. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions including both client and server operating systems indicates that organizations must implement comprehensive patch management strategies across their entire infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the Privilege Escalation tactic, with specific techniques related to exploitation of software vulnerabilities. Organizations implementing zero-trust security models must consider this vulnerability as part of their attack surface analysis, particularly in environments where users process untrusted content. The remediation approach involves not only applying the vendor-provided patches but also implementing additional controls such as restricted font processing capabilities, user access controls, and enhanced monitoring for suspicious font-related activities. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple Windows versions highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates the ongoing challenges in securing complex operating system components that handle multimedia content processing. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify patterns of font processing activity that may indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability requires legitimate font processing to be triggered for successful exploitation.