CVE-2018-0744 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Windows kernel in Windows 8.1 and RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703 and 1709, Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server, version 1709 allows an elevation of privilege vulnerability due to the way objects are handled in memory, aka "Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-0744 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Windows kernel operating system components. This weakness affects multiple versions of Windows including Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 versions from Gold through 1709, and Windows Server 2016. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of objects within memory management structures, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from standard user level to system level access. The issue specifically relates to how the kernel manages object references and memory allocation during routine operations, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate kernel data structures through carefully crafted malicious code or applications.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the kernel's object management system where insufficient validation occurs during object reference handling. When legitimate processes interact with kernel objects, the system fails to properly verify the integrity of object references before allowing privilege escalation operations. This memory handling flaw creates a window where attackers can exploit the object lifecycle management to gain unauthorized access to system-level resources. The vulnerability manifests as a type of kernel exploit that leverages memory corruption techniques to manipulate kernel data structures, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, though the specific implementation involves kernel memory management rather than traditional stack operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0744 is severe and far-reaching across enterprise and consumer environments. Successful exploitation allows attackers to achieve system-level privileges without requiring physical access or complex attack vectors. This elevation of privilege enables malicious actors to install persistent backdoors, modify system files, access encrypted data, and potentially compromise entire network infrastructures. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Windows versions means that organizations running affected systems face significant risk, particularly those with legacy systems or delayed patch management processes. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or drive-by downloads, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with limited security awareness training. The exploitability of this vulnerability has been documented in various threat actor campaigns, with some security vendors reporting its use in targeted attacks against government and corporate networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0744 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and system hardening measures. Microsoft released security update kb4093429 to address this vulnerability, which should be deployed immediately across all affected systems. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across their entire infrastructure. Additional mitigations include implementing kernel-mode exploit protection features, enabling Data Execution Prevention, and configuring application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized code execution. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect potential exploitation attempts, while security teams should monitor for anomalous system behavior that might indicate successful privilege escalation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms, making it critical for organizations to maintain robust security monitoring and incident response capabilities. System administrators should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege and regularly audit user permissions to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.