CVE-2018-0846 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver 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 elevation of privilege vulnerability due to how objects in memory are handled, aka "Windows Common Log File System Driver Elevation Of Privilege Vulnerability". This CVE is unique from CVE-2018-0844.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2024
The Windows Common Log File System CLFS driver vulnerability represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw that affects multiple Windows operating system versions including Windows 7 SP1 through Windows 10 version 1709 and their respective server counterparts. This vulnerability specifically targets the kernel-mode driver responsible for managing common log file system operations, which are essential for various system logging and transactional operations. The flaw manifests in how the driver handles memory objects, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from standard user level to system level access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where the most critical system operations occur, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized administrative control over affected systems.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory objects within the CLFS driver's kernel space implementation. When the driver processes certain log file operations, it fails to properly validate or sanitize memory references, allowing for potential memory corruption or manipulation. This memory handling flaw enables attackers to craft specific inputs that can trigger buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions within the driver's execution context. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, which occurs when insufficient bounds checking is performed on memory allocations. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to manipulate the driver's memory layout in a way that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, bypassing standard security boundaries that typically protect system integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges, effectively granting them complete control over the affected system. This includes the ability to install malware, modify system files, create new user accounts, disable security features, and access sensitive data without detection. The vulnerability affects systems running multiple Windows versions simultaneously, creating a widespread attack surface that spans from desktop operating systems to server environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including malicious software installation, web-based attacks, or even physical access scenarios where the system is running in a vulnerable state.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from system administrators and security teams. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the official Microsoft security patches released in April 2018, which address the specific memory handling issues within the CLFS driver. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as disabling unnecessary log file operations, monitoring for suspicious driver activity, and employing kernel-mode protection mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and defense evasion, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where attackers may use it as a foothold for broader network infiltration. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting user privileges to minimize the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure all systems remain patched and protected against this and similar kernel-level vulnerabilities.