CVE-2018-0883 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Windows Shell in Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 and RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server, version 1709 allows a remote code execution vulnerability due to how file copy destinations are validated, aka "Windows Shell Remote Code Execution Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2021
The Windows Shell remote code execution vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0883 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft operating systems that affects multiple versions including Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 and RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 versions from Gold through 1703, and Windows Server 2016 and version 1709. This vulnerability stems from improper validation of file copy destinations within the Windows Shell component, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw exists in the way the operating system handles file operations when copying files to specific destinations, particularly when dealing with specially crafted file paths that exploit the shell's validation mechanisms.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient input validation within the Windows Shell's file copy functionality. When users or applications perform file copy operations, the shell validates destination paths to ensure they are legitimate and safe for operation. However, the validation process fails to properly sanitize or verify certain file path constructs, allowing attackers to craft malicious file operations that bypass security checks. This weakness enables attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed when the shell processes the copy operation, effectively providing remote code execution capabilities without requiring authentication or elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the Windows Shell's handling of file system operations and demonstrates a classic example of improper input validation that aligns with CWE-20, which describes "Improper Input Validation" as a fundamental security weakness.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0883 is severe and far-reaching across enterprise environments, as it allows for remote code execution without user interaction or authentication requirements. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by tricking users into copying a malicious file to a specific destination or by directly manipulating system processes that perform file operations. The vulnerability affects systems running on both client and server operating systems, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise networks where multiple vulnerable systems may exist. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, install malware, or conduct further attacks within the network. The remote execution capability means that attackers do not need physical access to target systems, making this vulnerability particularly attractive for large-scale attacks. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation, potentially enabling lateral movement and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0883 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the vendor released patches specifically addressing this vulnerability in their monthly security bulletin cycle. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack vectors, particularly focusing on restricting file sharing and copy operations between trusted and untrusted networks. System administrators should monitor for suspicious file copy activities and implement application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized code. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary file sharing features, implementing robust endpoint protection solutions, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in system components and serves as a reminder of the critical need for continuous security monitoring and timely patch management to protect against zero-day exploits and known vulnerabilities in widely used operating systems.