CVE-2017-8540
7.8 · HIGH Actively ExploitedOverview
CVE-2017-8540 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting microsoft malware_protection_engine. It was published on May 26, 2017 and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 (HIGH). This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, indicating active exploitation in the wild.
This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8, rated HIGH. It requires local or adjacent network access to exploit. No authentication or special privileges are required for exploitation.
Technical Description
The Microsoft Malware Protection Engine running on Microsoft Forefront and Microsoft Defender on Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, and 1703, and Windows Server 2016, Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 and 2016, does not properly scan a specially crafted file leading to memory corruption. aka "Microsoft Malware Protection Engine Remote Code Execution Vulnerability", a different vulnerability than CVE-2017-8538 and CVE-2017-8541.
Remediation
Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from microsoft. Update malware_protection_engine to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| microsoft | malware_protection_engine | >= 1.1.13701.0, < 1.1.13704.0 | Affected |
References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2017-8540?
CVE-2017-8540 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting microsoft malware_protection_engine. It was published on May 26, 2017 and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 (HIGH). This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, indicating active exploitation in the wild.
How severe is CVE-2017-8540?
This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8, rated HIGH. It requires local or adjacent network access to exploit. No authentication or special privileges are required for exploitation.
How do I fix or remediate CVE-2017-8540?
Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from microsoft. Update malware_protection_engine to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
How can CyberStrike help with CVE-2017-8540?
CyberStrike's AI-powered security agents can automatically detect CVE-2017-8540 across your infrastructure using autonomous pentesting, DAST scanning, and HackBrowser. The platform continuously monitors for known vulnerabilities and provides actionable remediation guidance prioritized by real-world exploitability.
How CyberStrike Helps
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