CVE-2018-1013 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-2018-1012, CVE-2018-1015, CVE-2018-1016.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-1013 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft's Windows font handling mechanisms, specifically within the graphics subsystem that processes embedded font data. This vulnerability resides in the Windows font library's improper handling of specially crafted embedded fonts, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw manifests when Windows processes font files containing maliciously constructed embedded font data, which can occur during normal system operations when viewing documents, web pages, or other content that includes such fonts. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Windows 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 editions, indicating a widespread impact across multiple versions of the Windows ecosystem. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-125, which describes an out-of-bounds read condition, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper validation and processing of font data structures within Windows' graphics rendering pipeline. When a Windows system encounters an embedded font file containing maliciously constructed data, the font library fails to properly validate the font's structure, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to gain remote code execution capabilities. The flaw occurs during the parsing and rendering of font data, particularly when handling font tables and metadata that define how fonts are displayed and processed. Attackers can craft font files that, when loaded by Windows, cause buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions that allow them to overwrite critical memory locations and execute malicious code. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires the user to interact with a malicious font file through normal system operations such as opening a document containing the font, visiting a malicious website, or viewing email attachments. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be triggered without user interaction in certain scenarios, making it a significant threat to enterprise environments where automated systems might process untrusted font content.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-1013 extends far beyond simple system compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover and persistent access for threat actors. This vulnerability represents a high-severity threat that could enable attackers to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, deploy additional malware, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within a network. The broad range of affected operating systems means that organizations across various sectors, from government agencies to financial institutions, could be at risk. The vulnerability's potential for remote exploitation without user interaction in some cases makes it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where systems may be exposed to untrusted content. Organizations using affected Windows versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers could potentially compromise systems from outside the network perimeter, making it a prime target for nation-state actors and sophisticated cybercriminal organizations seeking to establish persistent access to sensitive environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1013 must address both immediate patching requirements and broader defensive measures to protect against exploitation attempts. Microsoft released security updates that address this vulnerability, and organizations should prioritize applying these patches to all affected systems. The recommended approach includes implementing the security updates as soon as possible, particularly for systems that process untrusted font content or are exposed to the internet. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of critical systems to potentially malicious font content. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of font files from untrusted sources and monitor for unusual font processing activity. Additionally, security teams should deploy intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts and implement email filtering solutions that can block malicious font attachments. The vulnerability's nature suggests that organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for suspicious memory access patterns and potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure that all systems remain protected against this and similar font-based vulnerabilities, with particular attention to legacy systems that may not receive regular updates.