CVE-2018-0810 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Windows kernel in Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2, and Windows Server 2012 allows an information disclosure vulnerability due to the way memory is initialized, aka "Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability". This CVE is unique from CVE-2018-0757.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2021
The Windows kernel vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0810 represents a critical information disclosure flaw affecting multiple Windows operating system versions including Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2, and Windows Server 2012. This vulnerability stems from improper memory initialization practices within the kernel execution environment, creating a pathway for unauthorized information exposure that could potentially compromise system security. The flaw specifically manifests when the kernel fails to properly initialize memory regions, leaving sensitive data accessible to malicious actors. This vulnerability is distinct from CVE-2018-0757 and falls under the broader category of kernel-level information disclosure issues that can lead to privilege escalation and system compromise. The vulnerability exists at the foundational level of the Windows operating system, making it particularly dangerous as it affects core system functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the kernel's memory management subsystem failing to properly clear or initialize memory regions before reuse, creating potential data leakage scenarios. When kernel components allocate and deallocate memory, they may not adequately zero out memory contents, allowing residual data from previous operations to persist and potentially expose sensitive information. This memory initialization failure creates a condition where attackers can potentially recover previously stored data, including credentials, encryption keys, or other confidential system information. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-224, which specifically addresses information exposure through improper memory initialization, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1003.001 for OS credential dumping and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The memory corruption aspects of this vulnerability can enable attackers to extract information that should remain isolated within kernel memory spaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0810 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates opportunities for more sophisticated attacks that can leverage the leaked information for privilege escalation or further system compromise. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain insights into kernel memory structures, potentially enabling them to craft more effective attacks against other system components. The information disclosure can reveal memory layout details, kernel function addresses, or other system internals that would otherwise remain hidden, making subsequent exploitation attempts more successful. This vulnerability particularly affects systems running older Windows versions where patch management may be incomplete, creating extended attack surfaces. The impact is amplified in enterprise environments where multiple systems may be running vulnerable versions of Windows, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access or conduct reconnaissance activities across network boundaries. Organizations with systems running Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows 7 SP1 are especially vulnerable due to the extended support lifecycle and potential patching delays.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0810 should prioritize immediate patch application through Microsoft's security updates, as the vendor has released specific fixes addressing the memory initialization issues within the kernel. System administrators should ensure comprehensive patch management protocols are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting across the network infrastructure. Additional defensive measures include implementing memory protection mechanisms such as Data Execution Prevention and Address Space Layout Randomization to complicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and monitoring can help detect potential exploitation attempts by identifying unusual memory access patterns or information disclosure activities. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can identify systems running vulnerable versions of Windows and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing robust system hardening practices to protect against kernel-level attacks that can bypass traditional security controls. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to memory access anomalies and ensure that system monitoring tools are configured to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting kernel memory structures.