CVE-2018-0820 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Windows kernel in Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 and RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, 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 objects are handled in memory, aka "Windows Kernel Elevation Of Privilege Vulnerability". This CVE is unique from CVE-2018-0742, CVE-2018-0756, CVE-2018-0809 and CVE-2018-0843.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0820 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Windows kernel component affecting multiple operating system versions including Windows 7 SP1 through Windows 10 version 1709, along with various Windows Server editions. This issue stems from improper handling of objects within kernel memory management, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from standard user level to SYSTEM level access. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel's object management mechanisms, which are fundamental to operating system security and privilege separation. The flaw allows an attacker to manipulate kernel objects in a manner that bypasses normal security boundaries, potentially enabling complete system compromise without requiring physical access or elevated credentials initially.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through memory management object handling flaws that enable attackers to corrupt kernel data structures or manipulate object references in ways that were not anticipated by the original design. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflows, though the specific implementation in this case involves kernel object manipulation rather than traditional buffer overflow scenarios. The kernel's object management system fails to properly validate or sanitize object references during memory operations, creating opportunities for attackers to craft malicious inputs that manipulate kernel state. The vulnerability's impact extends across multiple Windows versions due to shared kernel components and similar object handling patterns throughout the Windows kernel architecture.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risk to enterprise environments as it allows local attackers with standard user privileges to achieve SYSTEM-level access without requiring additional attack vectors or exploitation techniques. The implications are particularly severe in corporate networks where users may have legitimate access to systems but could potentially exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized administrative control. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's presence across such a wide range of Windows versions means that organizations with mixed operating system environments face increased exposure risk, as the attack surface expands beyond individual system boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0820 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches, which address the underlying kernel object handling issues through proper validation and sanitization of kernel object references. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes to ensure timely patch deployment across all affected Windows systems, particularly focusing on critical infrastructure and high-value targets. Additionally, security configurations such as disabling unnecessary services and implementing strict user access controls can reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and T1059, covering "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as attackers may use the elevated privileges to execute additional malicious activities. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts, while security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems that may still be exposed despite patching efforts.