CVE-2019-1466 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-2019-1465, CVE-2019-1467.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2024
The Windows Graphics Device Interface GDI component vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw that affects the operating system's graphics rendering subsystem. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the GDI component fails to properly manage memory access controls, allowing unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data stored in system memory. The issue impacts Windows operating systems and stems from improper validation of memory operations within the graphics processing pipeline. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain access to potentially sensitive information that should remain protected within the system's memory space, creating a significant security risk for enterprise environments and individual users alike.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides within the Windows GDI subsystem which handles graphics rendering operations for applications and the operating system itself. When processing certain graphics operations or handling malformed graphics data, the GDI component fails to properly validate memory boundaries and access permissions. This memory management failure allows for information leakage through mechanisms that should normally be restricted to prevent unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at a low-level system component that is frequently accessed by legitimate applications and system processes, making detection and exploitation relatively straightforward for malicious actors. According to CWE standards, this represents a memory exposure vulnerability classified under CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure through improper access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within a compromised system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could extract sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, application data, or system configuration information that resides in memory. This information leakage could facilitate further exploitation attempts including privilege escalation, credential theft, or lateral movement within a network environment. The vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions including Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019, making it a widespread concern for organizations that have not yet applied security patches. The attack surface is particularly broad since GDI operations are fundamental to almost all graphical applications and system functions, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on timely application of Microsoft security updates and patches that address the memory management flaws within the GDI component. Organizations should prioritize deployment of the relevant security updates released by Microsoft as part of their regular patch management procedures. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual memory access patterns or graphical processing anomalies. Security teams should also consider implementing additional protective measures such as disabling unnecessary graphics functionality, restricting application access to graphics rendering components, and conducting regular security assessments of graphics-related system components. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as exploitation often involves manipulating system components through legitimate interfaces. Organizations should also implement comprehensive vulnerability management programs that include regular scanning for similar memory exposure vulnerabilities and maintain up-to-date threat intelligence to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this class of vulnerabilities.