CVE-2018-0752 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Windows Kernel API 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 the Kernel API enforces permissions, aka "Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-0751.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0752 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Windows kernel API implementation across multiple operating system versions including Windows 8.1, RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, 1703, and 1709, as well as Windows Server 2016 and version 1709. This vulnerability specifically exploits the manner in which the kernel API enforces permission controls, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from standard user level to administrative rights. The flaw resides in the fundamental security mechanisms that govern how system resources are accessed and controlled, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the core of operating system security architecture. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-276, which describes improper privileges, indicating that the system fails to properly enforce access controls that should prevent unauthorized privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a specific weakness in how the kernel API validates and enforces access permissions for system resources. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious code that leverages the improper permission enforcement mechanisms within the kernel. The vulnerability allows an attacker with low-privilege user access to manipulate kernel-level functions that should normally be restricted to administrators or kernel mode components. This typically occurs through direct manipulation of system calls or by exploiting specific kernel data structures that control access permissions. The flaw essentially creates a bypass mechanism that allows unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges, fundamentally undermining the security model that separates user mode and kernel mode operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to enterprise security environments as it enables attackers to gain administrative control over affected systems without requiring prior administrative credentials or complex exploitation techniques. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. The widespread affected versions mean that organizations running any of these Windows variants are at risk, creating a large attack surface for threat actors. The vulnerability can be particularly dangerous when combined with other exploits, as it provides the necessary privilege escalation capability to execute more sophisticated attacks such as rootkit installation or lateral movement within networks. Security professionals must recognize that this vulnerability can be exploited remotely or locally, making it a significant concern for all Windows environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0752 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates as provided through Windows Update or Microsoft Security Response Center. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation activities and ensure that all systems are running the latest security updates. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," making it a target for defensive security operations. Additional mitigations include implementing least privilege principles, disabling unnecessary services, and maintaining strict access control policies. Network segmentation and monitoring for anomalous system behavior can help detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution and maintain regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patches in controlled environments before widespread deployment to ensure system stability and avoid potential compatibility issues with existing applications.