CVE-2018-0899 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-2018-0898, 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 identified as CVE-2018-0899 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft operating systems that affects multiple 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 stems from improper handling of memory addresses within the kernel execution environment, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure that could potentially expose sensitive system data to malicious actors. The flaw specifically manifests in how the kernel manages memory address spaces during normal operational procedures, creating opportunities for attackers to extract information that should remain protected within the system's privileged execution context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the kernel's memory management subsystem failing to properly sanitize or validate memory address references during certain operations, allowing for potential information leakage through side-channel attacks or direct memory access techniques. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers could potentially leverage this information to craft more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data exposure as it creates a foundation for further exploitation, potentially enabling attackers to discover memory layout patterns, kernel addresses, or other sensitive information that could be used in subsequent attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0899 is significant for organizations running affected Windows versions, as the information disclosure could provide attackers with critical insights into the target system's architecture and memory management. This information could be particularly valuable for attackers attempting to bypass security controls or develop more targeted exploits against the system. The vulnerability affects systems that are widely deployed across enterprise environments, making it a prime target for adversaries seeking to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. Organizations utilizing these affected operating systems face increased risk of advanced persistent threats or privilege escalation attacks that could compromise entire network infrastructures. The vulnerability's presence in both server and client operating systems creates widespread exposure across various deployment scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0899 should prioritize immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches to address the kernel memory handling flaw. Organizations should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, while also considering temporary workarounds such as disabling specific kernel features or implementing additional access controls. The vulnerability's classification as an information disclosure issue makes it particularly important to monitor for unusual memory access patterns or unauthorized information gathering activities. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk exposure. Compliance with Microsoft's recommended security practices and maintaining up-to-date security patches remains the most effective approach to preventing exploitation of this vulnerability.