CVE-2018-0827 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Windows Scripting Host (WSH) in Windows 10 versions 1703 and 1709 and Windows Server, version 1709 allows a Device Guard security feature bypass vulnerability due to the way objects are handled in memory, aka "Windows Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2021
The Windows Scripting Host vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0827 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Windows operating systems that specifically affects Windows 10 versions 1703 and 1709 along with Windows Server version 1709. This vulnerability resides within the Device Guard security feature implementation and creates a pathway for attackers to bypass critical system protections. The flaw manifests through improper memory object handling mechanisms within the Windows Scripting Host component, which serves as a foundational element for script execution across the Windows platform. The vulnerability's classification as a security feature bypass indicates that it undermines the intended protective measures that Device Guard is designed to enforce, potentially allowing malicious code execution that would normally be restricted.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from how Windows Scripting Host manages object references and memory allocation during script execution processes. When WSH processes certain script objects, it fails to properly validate or sanitize memory handling operations, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate object states in ways that circumvent Device Guard's enforcement mechanisms. This memory handling flaw operates at a low-level system interface where the scripting host interacts with the operating system's security frameworks, specifically targeting the validation processes that Device Guard employs to ensure only trusted code executes within the system environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because Device Guard is designed to prevent execution of unsigned scripts and binaries, making this bypass capability especially dangerous for attackers seeking to evade modern Windows security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0827 extends beyond simple privilege escalation or code execution capabilities, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of Windows security controls that organizations rely upon for protection. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can potentially execute malicious scripts or binaries that would normally be blocked by Device Guard, effectively neutralizing a critical security layer that protects against zero-day exploits and unknown malware. This security bypass can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent access within network environments where Windows systems are deployed. The vulnerability affects enterprise environments particularly severely since Device Guard is often enabled as part of security policies to prevent unauthorized script execution and protect against script-based attacks that are common in phishing and social engineering campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the primary fix involves correcting the memory handling routines within Windows Scripting Host to properly validate object states before allowing security feature bypass operations. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including enhanced monitoring of script execution patterns, implementing stricter application control policies, and ensuring Device Guard configurations are properly enforced through group policy settings. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates how improper memory management can lead to security feature bypass scenarios. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and defense evasion, specifically leveraging the T1059.007 sub-technique for Windows Scripting Host execution and T1089 for avoiding security solutions. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and endpoint detection and response solutions to monitor for suspicious script execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.