CVE-2018-0830 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-2018-0829 and CVE-2018-0832.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0830 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Windows kernel implementation across multiple operating system versions including Windows 7 SP1 through Windows 10 version 1709, along with various Windows Server editions. This vulnerability specifically affects how the kernel manages object handling in memory, creating potential pathways for unauthorized information exposure that could compromise system security. The flaw exists in the core kernel components that govern memory management and object lifecycle handling, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the lowest level of the operating system where critical system functions are processed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory objects within the Windows kernel, where insufficient validation occurs during object manipulation processes. This memory management flaw allows an attacker to potentially access sensitive information that should remain protected within kernel memory spaces. The vulnerability manifests when the kernel processes certain object references without adequate bounds checking or validation, enabling malicious code to read memory locations that contain confidential data, system state information, or other sensitive kernel resources. According to CWE-200, this corresponds to improper information exposure, where system information is unintentionally disclosed to unauthorized users or processes. The flaw specifically relates to how kernel objects are allocated, accessed, and deallocated, creating opportunities for information leakage through memory corruption or improper access patterns.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0830 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked information could potentially be leveraged to facilitate more sophisticated attacks. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gather system configuration details, memory layouts, or other sensitive kernel information that would aid in bypassing security controls or developing more targeted exploits. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Windows versions means that organizations with mixed operating system environments face widespread exposure, requiring coordinated patch management efforts. This information disclosure could enable attackers to perform advanced persistent threat operations or contribute to privilege escalation attacks, as knowledge of kernel memory structures often provides crucial insights for further exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique for privilege escalation through information gathering, where adversaries collect system information to identify potential attack vectors and weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Microsoft, as the company released security updates specifically addressing this kernel memory handling flaw. Organizations must implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected Windows systems receive the necessary updates, particularly focusing on the kernel components that handle object memory management. Additional protective measures include implementing kernel-mode exploit protection features such as Data Execution Prevention and Address Space Layout Randomization, which can help prevent exploitation attempts even if patches are not immediately deployed. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit potential attack surface, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual memory access patterns or information disclosure attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing behavioral analysis tools that can identify anomalous kernel activity indicative of exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's exploitation may not be immediately obvious through traditional security monitoring approaches.