CVE-2017-8543: Microsoft Windows Search Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2017-8543 is a high (CVSS 10.0) Improper Preservation of Permissions vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 24-05-2022. EPSS estimates a 74.16% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 99.4% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 15-06-2017
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 24-05-2022
   Added to CISA KEVMicrosoft Windows Search Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
3. 14-06-2022
   CISA remediation dueApply updates per vendor instructions.
4. 21-10-2025
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

Microsoft Windows XP SP3, Windows XP x64 XP2, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista, Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, and 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allow an attacker to take control of the affected system when Windows Search fails to handle objects in memory, aka "Windows Search Remote Code Execution Vulnerability".

• CWE-281Improper Preservation of PermissionsThe product does not preserve permissions or incorrectly preserves permissions when copying, restoring, or sharing objects, which can cause them to have less restrictive permissions than intended.