CVE-2018-0842 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
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 allow an elevation of privilege vulnerability due to how objects in memory are handled, aka "Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw in multiple windows operating system versions that stems from improper handling of memory objects within the windows kernel. The vulnerability affects a broad range of microsoft products including windows 7 sp1, windows 8.1, windows server 2008 sp2 and r2 sp1, windows server 2012 and r2, windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, 1703, and 1709, as well as windows server 2016 and version 1709. The technical root cause involves how the kernel manages memory objects during certain operations, creating opportunities for malicious code to escalate privileges from standard user level to system level access. This flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration category of cwe-121 stack-based buffer overflow and aligns with attack technique t1068 privilege escalation through kernel exploits. The vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially enabling complete system compromise. The memory handling issue occurs during object manipulation processes where insufficient bounds checking permits unauthorized memory access patterns that can be exploited to gain kernel-level control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve system-level privileges without requiring authentication or specialized exploitation techniques. Once exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to install programs, modify system configurations, access or modify sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The widespread affected product line means that organizations running any of these windows versions remain at risk, regardless of their security posture or network segmentation efforts. The exploitability of this vulnerability makes it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged through various attack vectors including malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or drive-by downloads. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability is relatively straightforward to exploit, making it attractive to both advanced persistent threat actors and less sophisticated attackers seeking to gain unauthorized system access.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through microsoft security updates to address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy includes deploying the microsoft security bulletin ms18-034 which contains the necessary patches for all affected windows versions. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all affected systems and ensure timely patch deployment across all networked devices. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to limit lateral movement capabilities, disabling unnecessary services and features, and maintaining robust monitoring systems to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of timely patch management and highlights the risks associated with running unsupported operating system versions. organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions to identify potential exploitation attempts and maintain detailed audit logs for forensic analysis. Regular security awareness training for personnel can help reduce the risk of initial compromise through social engineering attacks that might leverage this vulnerability.