CVE-2018-0898 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-2018-0897, CVE-2018-0899, CVE-2018-0900, CVE-2018-0901 and CVE-2018-0926.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2021
The Windows kernel information disclosure vulnerability CVE-2018-0898 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft's operating system implementations that affects multiple versions including Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows 10 versions from Gold through 1709, and Windows Server 2016. This vulnerability specifically manifests in how the kernel handles memory addresses, creating opportunities for unauthorized information disclosure that could significantly compromise system security. The flaw operates at the core level of the operating system where memory management routines process address information, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to reveal sensitive kernel memory locations that should remain protected from user-mode access. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and represents a fundamental breakdown in the memory protection mechanisms that separate user applications from kernel space.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper handling of memory addresses within kernel components, allowing malicious actors to potentially extract kernel virtual memory addresses or other sensitive information that could be used to bypass security mitigations. The vulnerability specifically impacts the kernel's memory management subsystem where it processes address space layouts and memory mapping information. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain insights into kernel memory structures, which can then be used in conjunction with other exploits to achieve privilege escalation or to craft more sophisticated attacks. The memory disclosure aspect creates a reconnaissance opportunity for threat actors to understand the target system's memory layout, potentially enabling them to bypass modern exploit mitigations such as address space layout randomization ASLR. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level and is particularly concerning because it affects the foundational security mechanisms that protect the operating system from unauthorized access and information leakage.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0898 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a pathway for more severe security incidents that could lead to complete system compromise. When attackers can obtain kernel memory addresses, they gain valuable intelligence that can be used to defeat exploit mitigations and craft more effective attacks against the target system. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Windows versions means that organizations running any of the affected operating systems are potentially at risk, regardless of their specific deployment environment. This creates a significant challenge for security teams who must ensure comprehensive patch management across their entire infrastructure. The information disclosure can be leveraged in advanced persistent threat campaigns where attackers use the leaked memory addresses to refine their exploitation techniques and bypass security controls that would normally prevent successful compromise. Organizations that fail to patch this vulnerability face increased risk of targeted attacks that could result in data breaches, system takeover, or lateral movement within their networks.
Microsoft has addressed this vulnerability through security updates that correct the improper memory address handling within the kernel components. The patch implements additional safeguards in how kernel memory addresses are processed and returned to user applications, preventing unauthorized disclosure of sensitive kernel information. Security professionals should prioritize deployment of these patches across all affected systems, particularly in enterprise environments where the potential for exploitation is highest. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the risks associated with running unsupported operating system versions. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect unusual memory access patterns or information disclosure attempts that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under techniques related to privilege escalation and information gathering, making it a significant concern for security operations centers that monitor for such activities. Proper implementation of the security updates requires careful testing to ensure compatibility with existing applications and systems while maintaining the necessary security protections against this and related information disclosure threats.