CVE-2019-0845 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the IOleCvt interface renders ASP webpage content, aka 'Windows IOleCvt Interface Remote Code Execution Vulnerability'.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0845 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Windows IOleCvt interface that specifically affects how ASP webpage content is rendered. This vulnerability resides in the component responsible for converting and processing OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) data within web contexts, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The issue manifests when the system processes certain ASP content that leverages the IOleCvt interface, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over the targeted machine. The flaw impacts multiple Windows operating systems including Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019, making it a widespread concern for enterprise environments that rely on web-based applications. According to CWE-119, this vulnerability stems from improper handling of data that can be controlled by an attacker, specifically involving memory corruption issues that occur during the conversion process. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a remote code execution technique that leverages application vulnerabilities to establish persistent access and execute malicious payloads.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2019-0845 occurs when an attacker crafts malicious ASP content that triggers the IOleCvt interface to process untrusted input. The vulnerability exploits memory handling flaws within the conversion process, potentially leading to buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process. This interface is commonly used in web applications that process embedded objects or rich content, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise web servers or client systems that handle such content. The vulnerability requires minimal user interaction for exploitation, as it can be triggered through web browsing or server-side processing of malicious content. Attackers can craft specially formatted ASP pages that when processed by the vulnerable interface cause the system to execute malicious code, potentially leading to full system compromise. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at a low level within the Windows component architecture, making it difficult to detect and mitigate through standard security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations running affected systems face significant risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and potential use as a foothold for broader attacks. The vulnerability's presence in core Windows components means that successful exploitation can result in persistent backdoors, data exfiltration capabilities, and the ability to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level access. Security teams must consider the potential for this vulnerability to be used in advanced persistent threat campaigns where attackers establish long-term presence within networks. The impact is particularly severe for web servers and applications that process user-generated content, as these systems become prime targets for exploitation. Organizations may experience service disruption, regulatory compliance issues, and potential legal ramifications if systems are compromised through this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0845 should focus on immediate patch management and network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces. Microsoft released security updates that address the vulnerability through patches for the affected Windows components, emphasizing the importance of timely deployment of security fixes. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect suspicious web traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual ASP content processing. Application whitelisting policies can help prevent execution of malicious code by restricting which applications can run on affected systems. Security configurations should include disabling unnecessary web features and implementing strict input validation for all ASP content processing. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-119 and its alignment with ATT&CK techniques for remote code execution highlight the need for comprehensive security controls including endpoint detection and response solutions. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems that may be running outdated components vulnerable to this specific flaw. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious ASP content before it reaches vulnerable systems.