CVE-2018-0972 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 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-0887, CVE-2018-0960, CVE-2018-0968, CVE-2018-0969, CVE-2018-0970, CVE-2018-0971, CVE-2018-0973, CVE-2018-0974, CVE-2018-0975.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-0972 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Windows kernel that fundamentally undermines system security mechanisms. This issue specifically targets the kernel's handling of memory management and address space layout randomization processes, creating a pathway for adversaries to extract sensitive kernel memory addresses. The vulnerability exists in the way the Windows kernel manages and exposes certain internal memory structures during normal operation, allowing unauthorized access to information that should remain protected within the kernel's privileged execution environment. The flaw affects a broad range of Windows operating systems including legacy versions like Windows 7 and Server 2008, as well as newer releases such as Windows 10 and Server 2016, making it particularly concerning from a security perspective.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of kernel memory structures that are typically protected from user-mode access. When certain kernel functions are invoked or when specific system calls are processed, the operating system inadvertently leaks kernel virtual memory addresses to unprivileged processes. This information disclosure occurs through mechanisms that should normally be restricted to kernel-level operations, creating a scenario where attackers can gather sufficient information to bypass ASLR protections. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure" and represents a fundamental breakdown in the kernel's memory protection boundaries. The leaked information typically includes base addresses of kernel modules, heap addresses, or other memory layout details that are essential for bypassing modern exploit mitigations.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0972 extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables sophisticated exploitation techniques that could lead to complete system compromise. By obtaining kernel addresses through this vulnerability, attackers can effectively defeat ASLR implementations that are designed to randomize memory layout to prevent exploitation attempts. This makes subsequent attacks more reliable and increases the likelihood of successful privilege escalation, potentially allowing adversaries to gain kernel-level access and execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges. The vulnerability creates a critical attack vector that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and T1059, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as attackers can leverage the leaked information to craft more effective exploits. The ability to bypass ASLR significantly increases the attack surface and reduces the effectiveness of modern exploit mitigations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment from Microsoft as the primary defense mechanism, since the flaw exists at the kernel level and cannot be effectively addressed through configuration changes alone. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected Windows systems to the latest security patches released by Microsoft, particularly focusing on the specific cumulative updates that address this particular vulnerability. Organizations should also implement additional monitoring for suspicious kernel memory access patterns and consider deploying exploit prevention technologies that can detect and block attempts to access kernel memory from user-mode processes. Network segmentation and privilege separation measures can help limit the potential impact if exploitation does occur, while regular security assessments should verify that systems are properly patched and that no unauthorized access has occurred. The vulnerability's classification under both CWE-200 and its relationship to ASLR bypass techniques makes it particularly important to maintain comprehensive security monitoring and incident response procedures that can detect and respond to such information disclosure events effectively.