Vulnerability identifier: #VU6437

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv3.1: 9 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2017-0290

CWE-ID: CWE-119

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
Microsoft Malware Protection Engine
Client/Desktop applications / Antivirus software/Personal firewalls
Microsoft Endpoint Protection
Client/Desktop applications / Antivirus software/Personal firewalls
Microsoft Security Essentials
Client/Desktop applications / Antivirus software/Personal firewalls
Windows Defender
Client/Desktop applications / Antivirus software/Personal firewalls
Windows Intune Endpoint Protection
Client/Desktop applications / Antivirus software/Personal firewalls
Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection
Server applications / DLP, anti-spam, sniffers
Microsoft Forefront Security for SharePoint
Server applications / DLP, anti-spam, sniffers
Microsoft System Center Endpoint Protection
Server applications / DLP, anti-spam, sniffers

Vendor: Microsoft

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to boundary error when processing files using Microsoft Malware Protection Engine. A remote unauthenticated attacker can create a specially crafted file, trick the victim into downloading it and execute arbitrary code on the target system, once the file is scanned with antimalware solution. 

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Mitigation

The vulnerability was fixed in Microsoft Malware Protection Engine version 1.1.13704.0.

The following PowerShell script can be used to check for vulnerable version of Microsoft Malware Protection Engine across computers in your domain:

$ErrorActionPreference = "SilentlyContinue"
$computers = Get-ADComputer -Filter 'Enabled -eq $true' -Properties Enabled | select-object -expandproperty name 
foreach ($computer in $computers) {
$productVersion = ""
Write-Output $computer
    try{
        $w32reg = [Microsoft.Win32.RegistryKey]::OpenRemoteBaseKey('LocalMachine',$computer )
        $keypath = 'SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Signature Updates\'
        $productKey = $w32reg.OpenSubKey($keypath)
        if ($productKey) {
        $productVersion = $productKey.GetValue('EngineVersion')
        if ($productVersion -eq "1.1.13701.0") {
        write-output "Version: $productVersion  VULNERABLE!"
                } else {
        write-output "Version OK: $productVersion"
        }
        Clear-Item Variable:productVersion
        } 
        else {write-output "Windows Defender not found"}
    }
    catch{
        write-output "Computer not accessible"
    }

}

Vulnerable software versions

Microsoft Malware Protection Engine: 1.1.13701.0

Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection: 2010

Microsoft Endpoint Protection: All versions

Microsoft Forefront Security for SharePoint: Service Pack 3

Microsoft System Center Endpoint Protection: All versions

Microsoft Security Essentials: All versions

Windows Defender: for Windows 8.1 - on Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1

Windows Intune Endpoint Protection: All versions

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External links
http://technet.microsoft.com/library/security/4022344.aspx

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.