CVE-2018-0968 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability exists in the Windows kernel that could allow an attacker to retrieve information that could lead to a Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) bypass, aka "Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability." This affects Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-0887, CVE-2018-0960, CVE-2018-0969, CVE-2018-0970, CVE-2018-0971, CVE-2018-0972, CVE-2018-0973, CVE-2018-0974, CVE-2018-0975.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-0968 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Windows kernel that fundamentally undermines system security mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets the kernel's handling of memory management and address space layout randomization, creating opportunities for attackers to extract sensitive kernel memory addresses that would normally be protected by ASLR. The flaw exists in the kernel's information disclosure mechanisms, allowing unauthorized access to memory layout information that could be exploited to bypass critical security protections. This issue affects multiple Windows versions including Server 2012 R2, RT 8.1, Server 2016, Windows 8.1, and various Windows 10 variants, indicating a widespread impact across the Windows ecosystem. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and represents a significant weakening of kernel security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of kernel memory structures during specific system calls or memory access operations. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform kernel memory reads that expose addresses of kernel functions, data structures, and memory regions that should remain hidden from user-mode processes. This information disclosure enables sophisticated exploitation techniques where adversaries can map kernel memory layouts and predict memory addresses that would otherwise be randomized. The flaw operates at the kernel level, meaning that successful exploitation requires only user-mode privileges to gather the necessary information for more advanced attacks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple information gathering as it directly facilitates bypasses of ASLR, which is a fundamental defense mechanism against kernel exploits.
The operational implications of CVE-2018-0968 are severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with the foundational information needed to conduct more sophisticated kernel-level attacks. By exposing kernel memory addresses, adversaries can effectively circumvent ASLR protections that are designed to prevent exploitation of kernel vulnerabilities. This information disclosure creates a pathway for attackers to develop more targeted exploits that could lead to privilege escalation, system compromise, or complete denial of service conditions. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Windows versions creates widespread exposure across enterprise environments, making it particularly dangerous as organizations may have varying levels of patching and security controls in place. The attack surface is expanded due to the nature of kernel-level information disclosure, which can be leveraged in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to achieve more significant security breaches.
Organizations affected by CVE-2018-0968 should implement immediate mitigations including applying Microsoft security patches, monitoring for suspicious kernel memory access patterns, and implementing additional security controls to prevent unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability's relationship to the broader ATT&CK framework places it within the information gathering and privilege escalation categories, where adversaries can use the exposed kernel addresses to plan more sophisticated attacks. Security teams should focus on monitoring for unusual kernel memory reads, implementing process isolation controls, and ensuring that all affected systems receive timely patch updates. The vulnerability's classification as a kernel-level information disclosure makes it particularly concerning for environments with high-security requirements, as it provides attackers with the building blocks necessary for more advanced exploitation techniques. Regular security assessments and kernel memory monitoring should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts that leverage this vulnerability.