CVE-2018-0832 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Windows kernel in Windows 8.1 and RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 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-2018-0830.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2024
The Windows kernel vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0832 represents a critical information disclosure flaw that affects multiple Windows operating system versions including Windows 8.1, RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, 1703, and 1709, as well as Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server version 1709. This vulnerability specifically targets how the kernel handles objects in memory, creating a pathway for unauthorized information exposure that could compromise system security. The flaw is categorized under CWE-200, which represents "Information Exposure" in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, highlighting the fundamental issue of improper handling of sensitive data within kernel memory spaces. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially allow attackers to extract sensitive information from system memory without requiring elevated privileges.
The technical mechanism behind this information disclosure vulnerability involves improper memory management practices within the Windows kernel subsystem. When objects are created, manipulated, or destroyed in kernel memory, the system fails to properly clear or secure sensitive data remnants that may persist in memory locations. This memory handling flaw allows an attacker to potentially read residual data from memory locations that should have been properly sanitized, leading to exposure of confidential information including but not limited to cryptographic keys, passwords, or other sensitive system data. The vulnerability specifically relates to how kernel objects are managed during their lifecycle, particularly during allocation, usage, and deallocation phases where memory cleanup operations may be insufficient or improperly implemented.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0832 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks when combined with other vulnerabilities or attack vectors. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to sensitive kernel memory contents that might include session tokens, encryption keys, or other critical system information that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or lateral movement within a network. This information exposure could also facilitate advanced persistent threat campaigns where attackers use the leaked data to better understand system configurations or to craft more targeted attacks against specific system components. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Windows versions means that organizations with mixed operating system environments face a consistent risk profile, requiring comprehensive patch management strategies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0832 primarily focus on applying Microsoft security updates and patches that address the specific memory handling flaws within the Windows kernel. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant security patches released by Microsoft as part of their regular security update cycles. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while monitoring for unusual memory access patterns or information disclosure attempts can provide early warning indicators of potential attacks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005, which covers "Data from Local System" and T1059, "Command and Scripting Interpreter", as attackers may use the leaked information to conduct further reconnaissance or establish more persistent access to compromised systems. System administrators should also consider implementing memory protection mechanisms and ensuring that systems are configured to minimize the attack surface available to potential exploiters of this information disclosure vulnerability.