CVE-2017-7269 is a critical buffer overflow vulnerability in the ScStoragePathFromUrl function within the WebDAV service of Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0, specifically affecting Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by sending a specially crafted PROPFIND request containing a long header. The vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild in July and August of 2016, highlighting its severity and the immediate need for remediation.
With a CVSS base score of 9.8, this vulnerability is classified as critical. The implications are severe, as the attack vector is network-based, requiring no user interaction, and it has low attack complexity. Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access and control over server resources, which can lead to data breaches and service disruptions. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
The vulnerability has been added to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, emphasizing its criticality in the threat landscape. According to the Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS), it has a high probability of being exploited in the future, with a score of 0.944, placing it in the 99.98th percentile of risk.
Given the potential impact and the ongoing exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations utilizing affected systems must act swiftly to mitigate risks by applying updates in line with vendor instructions.
Vulnerability Details
The official description states that this vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long header beginning with "If: <http://" in a PROPFIND request. The vulnerability affects Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0 on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2. It is classified under CWE-120 (Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input).
The CVSS score is 9.8, indicating a critical severity level, with high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability was published on March 27, 2017.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2017-7269 is a buffer overflow in the ScStoragePathFromUrl function, which fails to properly handle input when processing certain WebDAV requests. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted PROPFIND request that manipulates the buffer, allowing for the execution of arbitrary code.
The attack vector is network-based, meaning the attacker does not require physical access to the system. The complexity of the attack is low, as it does not require any special privileges or user interaction, making it easily executable. The potential impacts include high confidentiality, integrity, and availability risks.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations using Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 with IIS 6.0 are at significant risk of exploitation due to this vulnerability. The blast radius could be extensive, considering how many systems may still be using this outdated software configuration. Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access, potential data breaches, and severe disruptions to service availability.
Given the critical nature of the CVSS score and its inclusion in the KEV catalog, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The urgency is underscored by the high EPSS score, indicating a strong likelihood of exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerable version is Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0. All versions prior to vendor patch are affected, particularly in the context of Windows Server 2003 R2.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations must apply the security updates provided by Microsoft immediately. Instructions can be found in the vendor advisory and patch documentation.
If patches are unavailable, organizations should consider alternative mitigation strategies, such as implementing network segmentation and restricting access to vulnerable systems. Additionally, continuous monitoring for unusual activity and potential exploitation attempts is recommended.
For further assistance, organizations can explore our penetration testing services to validate and strengthen their security posture.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual WebDAV requests, particularly those containing long headers. Additionally, behavioral anomalies in server performance and unauthorized access attempts should be flagged for further investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The presence of CVE-2017-7269 in the KEV catalog signifies its significance within the cybersecurity landscape. This vulnerability represents a pattern of legacy systems being targeted, emphasizing the need for organizations to phase out unsupported software.
Security teams should utilize lessons learned from this incident to bolster their defenses, ensuring that they maintain an updated inventory of systems and apply proactive measures against known vulnerabilities. For more information on securing legacy systems, refer to our vulnerability management program and consider utilizing our penetration testing methodology to enhance security measures.
As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for organizations to stay informed about vulnerabilities such as CVE-2017-7269 and to implement robust security practices.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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