CVE-2018-0829 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 information disclosure vulnerability due to how objects in memory are handled, aka "Windows Information Disclosure Vulnerability". This CVE is unique from CVE-2018-0830 and CVE-2018-0832.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0829 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Windows kernel implementation across multiple operating system versions. This vulnerability specifically affects Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 versions including Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and 1709, as well as Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server version 1709. The flaw resides in how the kernel handles objects in memory, creating an avenue for unauthorized information disclosure that could potentially expose sensitive data to malicious actors. This vulnerability is distinct from related issues CVE-2018-0830 and CVE-2018-0832, indicating a separate attack surface that requires specific mitigation approaches.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the Windows kernel components. When objects are created and managed in kernel memory space, the system fails to properly validate or isolate memory references, allowing for potential information leakage. This type of flaw typically manifests when kernel-mode code does not adequately protect memory boundaries or when object references are not properly sanitized before being exposed to user-mode applications. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure," and represents a classic case of improper access control at the kernel level. Attackers could potentially leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information such as kernel memory contents, system credentials, or other confidential data that should remain protected within kernel space.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0829 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked information could serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially gain insights into kernel memory structures, system configurations, or even partial memory contents that could be used to bypass other security mechanisms. This information could enable advanced persistent threat actors to conduct targeted attacks against the affected systems, potentially leading to privilege escalation or further exploitation of other vulnerabilities present in the system. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Windows versions, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple operating system versions may be in use simultaneously.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0829 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the vulnerability was addressed in the August 2018 security bulletin. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns and ensure that all affected systems receive the appropriate security updates promptly. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves executing malicious code through kernel-level access, and T1003, which covers credential access through memory scraping. Additional defensive measures include implementing kernel-mode exploit protection mechanisms, configuring memory protection policies, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while continuous monitoring of system logs and memory dumps can help detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts.