Microsoft Remote Desktop Virtual Host CVE-2017-8714 Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Description

Microsoft Remote Desktop Virtual Host is prone to a remote code-execution vulnerability. Successful exploits will allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. Failed attacks may cause denial-of-service conditions.

Technologies Affected

• Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607 for x64-based Systems
• Microsoft Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2
• Microsoft Windows Server 2016

Recommendations

Block external access at the network boundary, unless external parties require service.
Filter access to the affected computer at the network boundary if global access isn’t required. Restricting access to only trusted computers and networks might greatly reduce the likelihood of exploits.

Run all software as a nonprivileged user with minimal access rights.
To mitigate the potential impact of a successful exploit, run the affected application as a user with minimal access rights.

Deploy network intrusion detection systems to monitor network traffic for malicious activity.
Deploy NIDS to monitor network traffic for anomalous or suspicious activity. Monitor logs generated by NIDS and by the server itself for evidence of attacks against the server.

Implement multiple redundant layers of security.
Memory-protection schemes (such as nonexecutable stack and heap configurations and randomly mapped memory segments) will complicate exploits of memory-corruption vulnerabilities.

Updates are available. Please see the references or vendor advisory for more information.