CVE-2018-1035 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
A security feature bypass vulnerability exists in Windows which could allow an attacker to bypass Device Guard, aka "Windows Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability." This affects Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1035 represents a critical security feature bypass in Microsoft Windows operating systems that undermines the integrity of Device Guard protection mechanisms. This flaw specifically targets Windows 10 and Windows 10 Server editions, where Device Guard is designed to enforce code integrity policies and prevent unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability allows attackers to circumvent the protective measures that Device Guard is intended to provide, creating a significant risk to system security and stability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from a flaw in how Windows handles certain code integrity checks and policy enforcement mechanisms. Device Guard operates by maintaining strict controls over which code can execute on a system through the use of policy rules that define trusted applications and scripts. When this vulnerability is exploited, it enables malicious actors to bypass these controls and execute arbitrary code that would normally be blocked by the Device Guard policies. The flaw essentially creates a pathway for attackers to circumvent the very protections that are meant to prevent unauthorized software execution and maintain system integrity.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-1035 is substantial as it allows attackers to gain elevated privileges and execute malicious code without detection by the system's security controls. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious software installation, drive-by downloads, or social engineering techniques that trick users into executing compromised code. Once successfully exploited, the attacker can bypass the code integrity protections that Device Guard provides, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects all versions of Windows 10 and Windows 10 Server where Device Guard is implemented, making it a widespread concern across enterprise and consumer environments.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes inadequate access control mechanisms, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves local privilege escalation through exploitation of system vulnerabilities. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Microsoft security updates, reviewing Device Guard policies to ensure proper configuration, and conducting thorough security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures should include enhanced monitoring for suspicious code execution patterns, network segmentation to limit lateral movement, and regular security audits to verify that Device Guard policies remain effective against known exploitation techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the potential consequences of failing to address security gaps in system protection mechanisms.