CVE-2019-0664 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability exists when the Windows GDI component improperly discloses the contents of its memory, aka 'Windows GDI Information Disclosure Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-0602, CVE-2019-0615, CVE-2019-0616, CVE-2019-0619, CVE-2019-0660.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0664 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Windows Graphics Device Interface component that affects multiple versions of the Windows operating system. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the GDI component fails to properly manage memory boundaries during certain graphic rendering operations, leading to unauthorized data exposure. The issue stems from improper memory handling within the kernel-mode drivers that process graphic operations, creating a scenario where sensitive memory contents can be accessed by malicious actors without proper authorization. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, where it can potentially expose system-critical information including credentials, encryption keys, and other sensitive data that resides in memory. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure" and represents a fundamental breakdown in the system's memory protection mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted graphic operations that trigger the faulty memory handling within the GDI component. Attackers can leverage this flaw by constructing specific graphic elements or rendering operations that cause the system to inadvertently expose memory contents to unauthorized processes. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through legitimate graphic rendering functions, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional network monitoring approaches. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to read memory contents that may include sensitive information such as user credentials, application data, and system configuration details. The attack vector typically involves malicious software or web content that forces the system to process graphic elements in a way that triggers the memory disclosure behavior, potentially enabling further exploitation through techniques like privilege escalation or data theft.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0664 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks within Windows environments. Systems running affected versions of Windows are at risk of having their memory spaces compromised, which could lead to credential theft, data exfiltration, and potentially full system compromise. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Windows versions including Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2016, making it a widespread concern for enterprise environments. Organizations with systems running these affected versions face significant risk, particularly those with high-value data or systems that are not regularly patched. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" indicates that it could be leveraged as part of broader attack chains where attackers use PowerShell to automate exploitation or to access the disclosed information. The memory disclosure nature of this vulnerability makes it particularly dangerous because it can expose information that might otherwise remain protected, potentially enabling attackers to bypass other security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0664 primarily focus on applying the official Microsoft security updates that address the underlying memory handling issues within the GDI component. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment across all affected systems, particularly those with high-value assets or systems that are frequently exposed to untrusted content. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the potential impact of exploitation, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual graphic rendering activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing memory protection mechanisms such as Data Execution Prevention and Address Space Layout Randomization to make exploitation more difficult. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions of Windows and ensure that all security patches are properly deployed and validated. The vulnerability's nature as a kernel-level memory disclosure makes it particularly important to maintain up-to-date security configurations and to monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts, as the impact can be severe and potentially irreversible once sensitive data has been compromised.