CVE-2018-1010 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows font library improperly handles specially crafted embedded fonts, aka "Microsoft Graphics Remote Code Execution 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. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-1012, CVE-2018-1013, CVE-2018-1015, CVE-2018-1016.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-1010 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Windows operating systems that stems from improper handling of specially crafted embedded fonts by the Windows font library. This vulnerability specifically targets the graphics rendering subsystem and exploits weaknesses in how Windows processes font data, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw affects a broad range of Microsoft operating systems including various versions of Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016, Windows RT 8.1, and multiple Windows 10 variants, making it particularly dangerous due to its widespread impact across the Windows ecosystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious font file is processed by the Windows font library, which fails to properly validate or sanitize the embedded font data. This improper handling creates memory corruption conditions that can be leveraged by attackers to inject and execute malicious code within the context of the target system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation typically involves executing code through legitimate system processes. The attack vector requires the victim to open or process a specially crafted font file, which can occur through various means including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious websites, making it particularly insidious for social engineering campaigns.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to organizations as it enables remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond the initial font processing. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially allow attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and move laterally within network environments. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Windows versions means that organizations with legacy systems or those that have not implemented timely security updates face heightened exposure. Attackers can leverage this flaw to deploy malware, establish backdoors, or conduct advanced persistent threats, making it a prime target for nation-state actors and sophisticated cybercriminal groups. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet, without requiring physical access or local network presence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1010 should prioritize immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates, which address the underlying font processing flaws in the Windows graphics subsystem. Organizations should implement network segmentation and application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized font processing, particularly in high-risk environments. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual font processing activities and potential exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis. Additional protective measures include disabling automatic font rendering in web browsers, implementing strict email filtering to prevent malicious font attachments, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify systems that may not have received critical updates. The remediation process should also include user education about the risks of opening untrusted font files and implementing principle of least privilege access controls to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.