CVE-2018-0896 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-2018-0895, 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 vulnerability described in CVE-2018-0896 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Windows kernel implementation across multiple operating system versions including Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 versions from Gold through 1709, and Windows Server 2016. This vulnerability specifically manifests in the kernel's handling of memory addresses, creating an information disclosure condition that could potentially expose sensitive kernel memory contents to unprivileged users. The flaw exists in the kernel's memory management subsystem where improper validation or handling of memory addresses allows attackers to potentially extract information about kernel memory layout and structure. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure, and represents a significant concern for system security as it could provide attackers with valuable insights into the kernel's internal memory organization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks by providing attackers with kernel memory addresses that could be leveraged in subsequent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Windows operating systems, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple system versions may be present simultaneously. Attackers could potentially use the leaked memory addresses to bypass security mechanisms such as address space layout randomization, which relies on unpredictable memory locations to prevent exploitation. This information disclosure vulnerability could enable attackers to craft more effective exploits by understanding the memory layout of the kernel and potentially identifying other vulnerabilities that might be present in the same memory regions. The vulnerability's classification under the Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability designation indicates that it specifically targets the kernel's memory management functions rather than higher-level application components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0896 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems through Microsoft's security updates, as the vulnerability represents a persistent threat that could be exploited by adversaries with minimal privileges. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on anomalous memory access patterns or information disclosure activities. The vulnerability's relationship to other related CVEs such as CVE-2018-0811 through CVE-2018-0926 demonstrates that Microsoft was addressing multiple related kernel vulnerabilities in the same timeframe, suggesting coordinated exploitation patterns that attackers might leverage. Security teams should also consider implementing additional protective measures such as kernel patch protection, memory protection mechanisms, and runtime application control to limit the potential impact of such information disclosure vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and potentially T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the information disclosure could enable more sophisticated attacks targeting kernel memory structures. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems that may be running unsupported operating systems that could be vulnerable to this and related vulnerabilities.