CVE-2018-0904 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Windows kernel in Microsoft Windows Server 2008 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 information disclosure vulnerability due to how memory addresses are handled, aka "Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0904 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Windows kernel component that affects multiple versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically manifests in how the kernel handles memory addresses, creating an avenue for unauthorized information exposure that could potentially compromise system security. The affected platforms include Windows Server 2008 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. The issue falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure" vulnerabilities where sensitive information is unintentionally made available to unauthorized actors.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves improper handling of memory addresses within the kernel's memory management subsystem. When certain kernel operations are performed, the system fails to properly sanitize memory address information, potentially leaking kernel virtual addresses or other sensitive memory-related data to user-mode applications. This information disclosure occurs during normal system operations when the kernel processes memory management requests, creating a scenario where attackers can potentially gather information about the kernel's memory layout and internal structures. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because kernel memory addresses contain critical information about system architecture and memory organization that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security implications for affected systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this information disclosure could potentially use the leaked memory addresses to bypass security mechanisms such as address space layout randomization ASLR, which relies on unpredictable memory addresses to prevent exploitation of other vulnerabilities. The leaked information could also aid in crafting more sophisticated attacks by providing insights into kernel memory organization and structure. Additionally, this vulnerability could enable attackers to perform reconnaissance activities more effectively, potentially leading to privilege escalation or other advanced persistent threats that require detailed knowledge of system internals.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically requires local access or a user-mode application that can trigger specific kernel operations. However, the information disclosure aspect means that even without direct exploitation, the leaked memory addresses could provide attackers with valuable intelligence for planning more complex attacks against the same systems. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell", as attackers might use the leaked information to enhance their PowerShell-based attacks or other scripting-based exploitation techniques. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond immediate information disclosure, as it can serve as a foundational element for more sophisticated attack chains that rely on detailed system knowledge.
Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security update KB4093420, which was released as part of the regular monthly security updates. The fix involves modifying the kernel's memory address handling routines to ensure that sensitive information is properly sanitized before being exposed to user-mode applications. Organizations should prioritize applying this update across all affected systems, particularly those running the vulnerable Windows versions. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual memory access patterns and consider additional security controls such as kernel-mode drivers validation and enhanced memory protection mechanisms. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper memory management in kernel components and the potential consequences of information leakage in operating system security.