CVE-2018-0824 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in "Microsoft COM for Windows" when it fails to properly handle serialized objects, aka "Microsoft COM for Windows Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." This affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0824 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft COM for Windows components that has far-reaching implications across multiple operating system versions. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of serialized objects within the Component Object Model framework, which serves as a fundamental Windows architecture for software component interaction and communication. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where COM components are extensively utilized for system operations and application integration.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation and sanitization of serialized data structures within the COM framework. When COM components process serialized objects, they fail to properly validate the integrity and structure of these data payloads, creating opportunities for attackers to craft malicious serialized objects that can trigger unexpected behavior during deserialization. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-502 category of "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" which is classified as a high-risk weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration taxonomy. The vulnerability specifically affects the way Windows handles COM objects during remote procedure calls and inter-process communication scenarios where serialized data is passed between different security contexts.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0824 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities as it provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent access to compromised systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy malware, establish backdoors, or escalate privileges within the target environment, particularly when the affected COM components are used in server applications or services that are exposed to untrusted network traffic. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Windows operating systems including legacy versions like Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2, as well as newer releases such as Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016, making it a widespread concern for organizations maintaining diverse IT infrastructures. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation typically involves executing malicious code through the compromised COM components.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Microsoft security patches and updates, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable COM components, and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw necessitates proactive network monitoring and endpoint detection capabilities to identify potential exploitation activities. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict the execution of unauthorized COM components and utilize the principle of least privilege when configuring COM object permissions. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable COM components and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk exposure and business criticality. The remediation process should include not only patching individual systems but also reviewing and updating COM component configurations to minimize attack surface and prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising in the future.