CVE-2018-0897 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-2018-0896, 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 • 11/17/2025
The Windows kernel vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0897 represents a critical information disclosure flaw that affects multiple versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems including server and client variants. This vulnerability specifically targets the kernel's memory address handling mechanisms, creating a pathway for unauthorized information exposure that could potentially compromise system security. The affected platforms encompass 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 Gold through 1709, and Windows Server version 1709, making it a widespread concern across the Windows ecosystem.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in how the Windows kernel manages memory addresses, specifically in the way it processes and handles kernel memory pointers during certain operations. This flaw allows an attacker to potentially extract sensitive information from kernel memory spaces that should remain protected from user-mode access. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, which means it can provide attackers with privileged information that could be leveraged to build more sophisticated attacks or to bypass security controls. The memory disclosure aspect of this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can reveal kernel addresses, system structures, or other sensitive data that would normally be protected from unauthorized access.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for affected systems as it enables potential information leakage that could facilitate further attacks. The disclosed information could include kernel virtual addresses, memory layout details, or other system-specific data that would aid attackers in developing more targeted exploits. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability could be particularly dangerous when combined with other exploits, as the leaked information could help attackers perform more precise attacks such as return-oriented programming or other advanced exploitation techniques. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Windows versions means that organizations maintaining legacy systems are particularly at risk.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the relevant Microsoft security updates and patches to address this vulnerability. System administrators should prioritize patching all affected Windows versions, particularly those running in enterprise environments where the risk of exploitation is higher. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious activities and implementing enhanced security controls around kernel memory access can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and could potentially be leveraged as part of broader attack chains that align with ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit potential exploitation impact, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify any remaining vulnerabilities in the system landscape.