CVE-2018-0900 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-2018-0899, 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-2018-0900 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 and RT 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 space, creating an information disclosure channel that adversaries can exploit to gain insights into system memory structures and potentially uncover sensitive information about the operating system's internal state.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure," and operates at the kernel level where memory management functions are processed. The flaw manifests when the Windows kernel fails to properly sanitize memory address information during certain operations, allowing attackers to potentially read memory locations that should remain protected. This information disclosure can reveal kernel memory layout details, base addresses of system components, and other sensitive data that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core of the operating system where critical system functions are managed, making it a prime target for advanced persistent threat actors seeking to understand system internals.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0900 extends beyond simple information disclosure as it provides attackers with foundational knowledge necessary for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. When combined with other vulnerabilities such as those referenced in the CVE description, this information disclosure could enable attackers to bypass security mechanisms like address space layout randomization and exploit control flow integrity protections. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Microsoft products spanning several years of releases, indicating a systemic issue in memory management handling that required patching across multiple versions. Attackers could potentially use the leaked information to craft more effective buffer overflow exploits, return-oriented programming attacks, or other memory corruption techniques that rely on knowing specific memory layout details.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the relevant security updates provided by Microsoft through Windows Update and Microsoft Update Catalog. Organizations should prioritize patching systems running affected versions of Windows to prevent exploitation of this information disclosure channel. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit potential attack surfaces, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual memory access patterns or information disclosure attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing kernel-mode exploit detection mechanisms and regular vulnerability assessments to identify systems that may not have received the necessary patches. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patches in controlled environments before deployment to ensure compatibility with existing applications and systems. Additionally, organizations should maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to monitor for any exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability or related memory corruption issues.