CVE-2018-0894 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Windows kernel 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, and 1709, Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server, version 1709 allows an information disclosure vulnerability due to the way memory addresses are handled, aka "Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability". This CVE is unique from CVE-2018-0811, CVE-2018-0813, CVE-2018-0814, CVE-2018-0895, CVE-2018-0896, CVE-2018-0897, CVE-2018-0898, CVE-2018-0899, CVE-2018-0900, CVE-2018-0901 and CVE-2018-0926.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2024
The Windows kernel information disclosure vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0894 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems including server and client variants. This vulnerability specifically targets the kernel's memory address handling mechanisms, creating an information disclosure condition that could potentially expose sensitive memory addresses to unauthorized users. The flaw exists within the core operating system kernel which is responsible for managing system resources and providing essential services to applications running on the platform. The vulnerability affects 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 including Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and 1709, as well as Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server version 1709, making it a widespread issue across a significant portion of Microsoft's product ecosystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory addresses within the Windows kernel components. When the kernel processes certain memory operations, it fails to properly validate or sanitize memory address information, potentially allowing attackers to obtain information about kernel memory layout and address spaces. This type of information disclosure vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure issues. The flaw enables attackers to potentially gather kernel memory addresses that could be used in subsequent attacks such as privilege escalation or exploitation of other vulnerabilities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because kernel-level information disclosure can provide attackers with detailed insights into system internals that would normally be protected from user-space access.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0894 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked memory addresses can significantly aid attackers in planning more sophisticated attacks against affected systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially use the disclosed information to bypass security mechanisms such as address space layout randomization ASLR, which relies on unpredictable memory addresses to prevent exploitation. This vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to gain deeper insights into system memory structures, potentially enabling them to craft more effective exploits against other system components. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where Windows servers and workstations are widely deployed, as the vulnerability could be leveraged to compromise entire network infrastructures. The vulnerability's classification as a kernel-level information disclosure aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers might use the disclosed information to execute more targeted commands against vulnerable systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0894 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the vulnerability requires kernel-level fixes that cannot be addressed through configuration changes alone. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary security updates promptly. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit potential attack vectors, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual memory access patterns or information disclosure attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing kernel-mode exploit protection mechanisms and regularly review system memory configurations to identify potential exploitation indicators. The vulnerability's nature as a kernel-level issue means that traditional endpoint protection solutions may not be sufficient, requiring more advanced security measures such as kernel integrity checking and memory protection technologies. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify systems running vulnerable versions of Windows and prioritize their remediation based on risk assessment methodologies.