CVE-2018-0895 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-2018-0894, 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-2018-0895 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems including server and client variants. This vulnerability specifically manifests in the kernel's memory address handling mechanisms, creating opportunities for attackers to extract sensitive information from system memory. The affected systems span across Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 and RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, various Windows 10 releases including Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and 1709, as well as Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server version 1709. The vulnerability's classification as an information disclosure issue indicates that it allows unauthorized access to memory contents that should remain protected, potentially exposing sensitive system data and architectural details.
The technical flaw resides in how the Windows kernel manages memory addresses during normal system operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to perform memory analysis techniques that reveal kernel-level information. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when the kernel fails to properly validate or sanitize memory access operations, allowing attackers to potentially read memory locations that contain sensitive data structures, system pointers, or other confidential information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, meaning that successful exploitation could provide attackers with insights into system internals that would normally be protected from user-mode access. This information disclosure could include details about memory layout, kernel data structures, or other system components that would aid in developing more sophisticated attacks against the target system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations running affected Windows versions as it enables adversaries to gather intelligence that could be used in subsequent attack phases. The information disclosed through this vulnerability could include memory addresses of kernel functions, system structures, or other architectural details that would normally be hidden from normal system operation. Such information disclosure aligns with the CWE-200 weakness category, which specifically addresses information exposure issues in software systems. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability operates in the context of the Windows kernel, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially provide attackers with the foundational knowledge needed to develop more targeted exploits. The fact that this vulnerability is distinct from several other CVEs in the same vulnerability family suggests it represents a unique memory handling flaw rather than a common class of kernel-level issues.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0895 primarily involve applying Microsoft security updates and patches released in response to this vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize patch management to ensure all affected systems receive the appropriate updates from Microsoft. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory access patterns or system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature as a kernel-level information disclosure also makes it a potential candidate for exploitation in advanced persistent threat campaigns where attackers seek to understand system internals before deploying more sophisticated malware or conducting further reconnaissance. Organizations should consider implementing memory protection mechanisms and monitoring for abnormal memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date systems and implementing comprehensive security controls to protect against kernel-level threats that could compromise entire system architectures.