CVE-2018-8200 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
A security feature bypass vulnerability exists in Device Guard that could allow an attacker to inject malicious code into a Windows PowerShell session, aka "Device Guard Code Integrity Policy Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability." This affects Windows Server 2016, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8204.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-8200 represents a critical security feature bypass in Microsoft's Device Guard implementation, which is designed to enforce code integrity policies and prevent unauthorized code execution within Windows environments. This flaw specifically targets the code integrity policy enforcement mechanisms that are integral to Device Guard's operation, creating a pathway for attackers to circumvent the security controls that should otherwise prevent malicious code injection into PowerShell sessions. The vulnerability affects multiple Windows operating systems including Windows Server 2016, Windows 10, and Windows 10 Servers, indicating a widespread impact across enterprise and server environments where Device Guard is typically deployed to protect against advanced persistent threats and malware.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a flaw in how Device Guard validates code integrity policies when PowerShell sessions are initiated and maintained. Attackers can exploit this weakness to bypass the normal code integrity checks that would typically prevent unsigned or malicious scripts from executing within PowerShell environments. The flaw allows adversaries to inject malicious code into existing PowerShell sessions without triggering the security mechanisms that should detect and block such activities. This bypass occurs at the policy enforcement layer where Device Guard's code integrity validation fails to properly verify the authenticity and integrity of code being executed, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across multiple Windows versions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code injection capabilities, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of systems that rely on Device Guard for protection. Organizations using Device Guard in their security infrastructure face a significant risk of compromise, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious PowerShell scripts that would normally be blocked by the security controls. This creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges, establish persistence, and conduct further reconnaissance or lateral movement within compromised networks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because PowerShell is widely used in enterprise environments for legitimate administrative tasks, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to maintain access and execute malicious activities while remaining undetected.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically concerning improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized code execution. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques, where attackers can bypass security controls to maintain access and avoid detection. The vulnerability also relates to the technique of process injection and code integrity policy bypass, which are commonly used in advanced persistent threat campaigns. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Microsoft security updates, reviewing Device Guard policy configurations, and monitoring for suspicious PowerShell activities. Additional protective measures such as enhanced logging, PowerShell script block logging, and regular security assessments can help detect and prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The security community has identified this as a critical threat requiring immediate attention, particularly in environments where PowerShell is heavily utilized for administrative tasks and where Device Guard is deployed as part of the overall security architecture.