CVE-2018-0811 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Windows kernel in Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, 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 information disclosure vulnerability due to the way objects are initialized in memory, aka "Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability". This CVE is unique from CVE-2018-0813, CVE-2018-0814, CVE-2018-0894, CVE-2018-0895, CVE-2018-0896, CVE-2018-0897, CVE-2018-0898, CVE-2018-0899, CVE-2018-0900, CVE-2018-0901 and CVE-2018-0926.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2021
The Windows kernel information disclosure vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0811 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems including server and client variants. This vulnerability stems from improper object initialization within kernel memory management, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure that could potentially expose sensitive system data to malicious actors. The affected platforms encompass Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 and RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 versions from Gold through 1709, and Windows Server version 1709, making it a widespread concern across the Windows ecosystem. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel's memory initialization processes, where objects are not properly cleared or initialized before reuse, potentially leaving residual data accessible to unauthorized processes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when kernel objects are allocated and subsequently deallocated without proper memory sanitization, allowing attackers to potentially read sensitive information from previously used memory locations. This type of flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-248, which specifically addresses "Uncaught Exception" conditions that can lead to information disclosure. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, where memory management routines fail to properly clear object contents during deallocation, creating information leakage opportunities that could expose system credentials, encryption keys, or other sensitive kernel data. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gain insights into system memory structures, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks or privilege escalation techniques.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments where Windows systems serve as primary infrastructure components. The information disclosure could enable attackers to gather intelligence about system configurations, memory layouts, and potentially sensitive operational data that could be used for further exploitation. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, making it difficult to detect through standard application-level monitoring tools and potentially allowing for persistent information gathering over time. The attack vector typically involves a local privilege escalation scenario where an unprivileged user can trigger the vulnerability through specific kernel object manipulation, though the exact exploitation methods require careful analysis of the memory management routines involved.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0811 primarily focus on applying Microsoft's security patches and updates released as part of their regular security bulletin cycles. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant Windows updates, particularly those addressing kernel memory management vulnerabilities. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected Windows versions receive the necessary security fixes. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and privilege separation controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Monitoring for unusual memory access patterns or kernel object manipulation activities should be enhanced through security information and event management systems. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which addresses "Local Privilege Escalation" through kernel exploits, making it a critical concern for enterprise security teams implementing the MITRE ATT&CK framework for threat modeling and defense planning.