CVE-2018-0813 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-2018-0811, CVE-2018-0814, CVE-2018-0894, CVE-2018-0895, CVE-2018-0896, CVE-2018-0897, CVE-2018-0898, CVE-2018-0899, CVE-2018-0900, and CVE-2018-0901 and CVE-2018-0926.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0813 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Windows kernel implementation across multiple operating system versions including 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 2016. This vulnerability stems from improper initialization of objects in memory, creating a condition where sensitive information may be inadvertently exposed to unauthorized processes or users. The flaw specifically affects the kernel-mode components that manage system resources and memory allocation, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the core level of the operating system where privilege escalation and information theft are most impactful. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, which represents "Information Exposure" in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, indicating that the flaw allows for unauthorized information disclosure through improper object initialization mechanisms. The Windows kernel's memory management system, which handles object creation and destruction, fails to properly initialize certain memory regions before they are accessed, potentially leaving sensitive data from previous operations in memory. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which involves the use of command and scripting interpreters, as attackers may leverage information disclosure to gain insights into system configurations, user credentials, or application data that could facilitate further exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0813 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential pathways for attackers to gather system intelligence that could be used in subsequent attacks. When objects are improperly initialized in kernel memory, remnants of previous data structures, user credentials, or system configuration details may persist in accessible memory locations, providing attackers with valuable reconnaissance information. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Windows servers and workstations are deployed, as it could enable attackers to extract sensitive information from memory dumps, process memory, or kernel structures. The affected systems represent a broad range of Microsoft products spanning several years of releases, indicating that this was a widespread issue that required immediate attention across the Windows ecosystem. The vulnerability's classification as an information disclosure issue means that while it may not directly enable code execution or privilege escalation, it provides attackers with critical information that can significantly enhance their ability to perform targeted attacks against the affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0813 should focus on both immediate patch deployment and long-term system hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates as part of their regular patching schedule that address this specific kernel initialization flaw, requiring administrators to apply the relevant security patches to all affected systems. The patch implementation specifically targets the kernel-mode memory initialization routines that were vulnerable to improper object handling, ensuring that memory regions are properly cleared before object creation and initialization. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes that include thorough testing of patches in controlled environments before deployment to production systems. Additional mitigations include implementing memory protection mechanisms such as Data Execution Prevention (DEP) and Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) to make exploitation more difficult even if the vulnerability is present. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous memory access patterns or information disclosure attempts that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact if an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability by reducing the attack surface and limiting access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Windows versions underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust vulnerability management processes that can quickly identify and remediate similar issues across the entire enterprise infrastructure.