CVE-2018-0854 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
A security feature bypass vulnerability exists in Windows Scripting Host which could allow an attacker to bypass Device Guard, aka "Windows Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability." This affects Windows Server 2016, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-0958, CVE-2018-8129, CVE-2018-8132.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-0854 represents a critical security feature bypass in Windows Scripting Host that undermines the integrity of Device Guard protection mechanisms. This flaw specifically targets Windows operating systems including Windows Server 2016, Windows 10, and Windows 10 Servers, where Device Guard is designed to enforce code integrity policies and prevent execution of unauthorized scripts. The vulnerability allows attackers to circumvent the security controls that are meant to restrict script execution based on trusted publishers and code integrity policies.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from how Windows Scripting Host processes script execution requests and interacts with Device Guard policies. When a script is executed through the Windows Scripting Host, the system should verify that the script meets the security requirements defined by Device Guard before allowing execution. However, the flaw in the Windows Scripting Host component enables attackers to manipulate the execution flow in a way that bypasses these verification checks. This occurs through improper validation of script attributes and execution contexts that should normally be restricted by Device Guard policies.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with a pathway to execute malicious scripts that would otherwise be blocked by Device Guard protections. Attackers can leverage this bypass to run unauthorized PowerShell scripts, VBScript, or JavaScript code that could lead to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or system compromise. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where Device Guard is enabled and configured to restrict script execution, as it undermines the fundamental security posture that organizations rely on for preventing script-based attacks.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-284 Access Control Bypass, which describes the weakness where a system fails to properly enforce access controls, allowing unauthorized access to resources or functionality. The flaw specifically enables unauthorized script execution through a bypass of the Windows Scripting Host security controls that should prevent such behavior. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries use legitimate system tools to execute malicious code, and T1134 Access Token Manipulation, as the bypass may enable privilege escalation through script execution.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Windows updates that address this vulnerability, ensuring Device Guard policies are properly configured and enforced, and monitoring for suspicious script execution patterns. Additional defensive measures include implementing application control policies, restricting script execution through Group Policy settings, and conducting regular security assessments to verify that Device Guard protections remain effective. Security teams should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous script execution behaviors that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the need for layered defensive approaches to protect against sophisticated attack vectors that target security feature bypasses.