CVE-2018-0814 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-2018-0813, 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 described in CVE-2018-0814 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Windows kernel component that affects multiple operating system versions including Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, and various Windows 10 releases up to version 1709. This vulnerability specifically manifests during the object initialization process in kernel memory, creating opportunities for malicious actors to extract sensitive information from system memory. The flaw exists in the kernel-mode drivers and system components that handle memory allocation and object management, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the core level of the operating system where privileges and system integrity are maintained. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which represents "Information Exposure" and aligns with the broader category of information disclosure vulnerabilities that compromise system security through unauthorized data access.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves improper initialization of kernel objects during memory allocation processes, allowing attackers to potentially read uninitialized memory contents that may contain sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential system information. When the Windows kernel creates and manages objects in memory, certain variables or memory segments may not be properly cleared or initialized before being made available to user-mode applications or system processes. This creates a scenario where information that should not be accessible to regular users or processes can be retrieved through specific memory access patterns or exploitation techniques. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where system privileges are highest, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to escalate their privileges or extract sensitive information from the system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to system information that could be leveraged for further exploitation or system compromise. The information disclosure could potentially reveal system configuration details, memory layouts, or other sensitive data that would aid in planning more sophisticated attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1003.001 "OS Credential Dumping: LSASS Memory" and T1082 "System Information Discovery" as attackers could use the leaked information to better understand the target system and plan subsequent attacks. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Windows operating systems, making it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited across multiple enterprise environments and user workstations. Organizations running affected systems face potential risks including credential theft, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0814 primarily involve applying the official Microsoft security updates released as part of the August 2018 security bulletin. System administrators should prioritize patch deployment across all affected Windows versions to ensure proper initialization of kernel objects and prevent memory disclosure issues. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while monitoring for unusual memory access patterns or information disclosure attempts can aid in early detection of potential attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege and regularly auditing system configurations to minimize the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices in kernel-level code and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of system components that operate with elevated privileges, as outlined in Microsoft's security best practices and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework for enterprise security management.