CVE-2018-8306 in Wireless Display Adapter V2
Summary
by MITRE
A command injection vulnerability exists in the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter (MWDA) when the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter does not properly manage user input, aka "Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter Command Injection Vulnerability." This affects Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter V2 Software.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2024
The CVE-2018-8306 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw within Microsoft's Wireless Display Adapter V2 software ecosystem. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the wireless display adapter's software stack, specifically when processing user-provided data. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands that can be executed within the context of the affected system, potentially compromising the entire wireless display infrastructure. The vulnerability impacts the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter V2 Software, which serves as the primary interface for wireless display functionality in enterprise and consumer environments. This represents a significant security gap since wireless display adapters are commonly deployed in corporate settings where sensitive data is frequently transmitted and displayed, making them attractive targets for cyber adversaries seeking to establish persistent access or escalate privileges.
The technical implementation of this command injection vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of user input within the MWDA software components responsible for processing display connection parameters and configuration settings. When legitimate users provide input through the wireless display adapter interface, the software fails to properly sanitize or validate the data before processing it within system commands. This lack of input sanitization creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious commands that bypass normal security controls and execute with the privileges of the running process. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 and CWE-94 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, representing command injection and code injection weaknesses respectively. These classifications indicate that the flaw allows for arbitrary code execution, which can result in complete system compromise when exploited by attackers.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8306 extends beyond simple command execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access points within wireless display networks. In enterprise environments, this vulnerability can facilitate lateral movement attacks where adversaries use compromised wireless display adapters as entry points to access other network resources. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that wireless display adapters are often deployed in high-security environments such as government facilities, financial institutions, and healthcare organizations where sensitive data is regularly transmitted over wireless connections. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including physical access to the adapter, network-based attacks targeting exposed configuration interfaces, or social engineering campaigns that trick users into providing malicious input through the adapter's user interface. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter, specifically through the use of Windows Command Prompt, as attackers can leverage the command injection to execute malicious payloads and maintain persistence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8306 should focus on immediate software patching and configuration hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates addressing this vulnerability, and organizations must ensure all affected MWDA V2 software installations are updated to the latest security patches. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate wireless display adapter networks from critical business systems, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Input validation controls should be strengthened at all interfaces where user input is processed, including implementing proper sanitization and encoding mechanisms. Organizations should also consider deploying network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in networked devices, particularly those handling user interactions. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all wireless display infrastructure to identify similar weaknesses and implement defense-in-depth strategies that include regular security testing, access controls, and monitoring of wireless display adapter activities. Additionally, user education programs should be established to raise awareness about the risks associated with wireless display adapters and the importance of keeping software updated.