CVE-2018-1012 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-2018-1010, CVE-2018-1013, CVE-2018-1015, CVE-2018-1016.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1012 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 that processes font files, creating an exploitable condition when maliciously formatted font data is encountered during normal system operations. The flaw exists in the way Windows processes embedded fonts within font files, particularly when these fonts contain malformed or specially constructed data that triggers unexpected behavior in the underlying graphics library. This issue affects a broad range of Microsoft operating systems 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 various Windows 10 server variants, making it particularly dangerous due to its widespread impact across multiple system versions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125, which describes an out-of-bounds read condition that can occur when a program reads data beyond the boundaries of a buffer, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for legitimate credentials and T1059 for command and script interpreter usage.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a user or system processes a specially crafted font file that contains malicious data structures designed to trigger buffer overflow conditions within the Windows font rendering engine. When the system attempts to render or process these malformed fonts, the improper bounds checking in the graphics library allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. The vulnerability typically manifests when font files are loaded through normal user interaction such as opening email attachments, visiting malicious websites, or downloading files from untrusted sources. Attackers can leverage this condition to gain remote code execution capabilities, potentially leading to full system compromise without requiring authentication. The flaw specifically impacts the Windows font library's handling of embedded font data, where the system fails to properly validate font structure parameters and memory allocation boundaries during font processing operations. This condition enables attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute malicious code through carefully crafted font files that exploit the underlying buffer overflow mechanism.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-1012 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems, potentially leading to data theft, system infiltration, and persistent access. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it without physical access to systems, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious font files through email, web browsing, or file downloads. Organizations with multiple affected Windows versions are at significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing emails, compromised websites, or malicious file downloads. The widespread nature of the affected operating systems means that many organizations have systems vulnerable to this attack, potentially creating large attack surfaces for threat actors. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability as part of comprehensive defense-in-depth strategies, particularly when evaluating endpoint protection measures and network monitoring capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1012 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches that address the specific font processing vulnerabilities in the Windows graphics library. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious font files, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted content. Security teams should enable application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unknown font processing applications and configure systems to disable automatic font rendering for untrusted content sources. Regular monitoring of system logs for suspicious font processing activities and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should be trained to avoid opening suspicious email attachments, visiting untrusted websites, or downloading files from unknown sources. Network administrators should consider implementing web filtering solutions that can block access to known malicious domains and content that may contain exploit payloads. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-125 and its alignment with ATT&CK techniques emphasize the need for comprehensive security controls including memory protection mechanisms, privilege separation, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation. Organizations should also maintain updated incident response procedures that specifically address remote code execution vulnerabilities in graphics rendering subsystems to ensure rapid response and containment of exploitation attempts.