CVE-2018-8405 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the DirectX Graphics Kernel (DXGKRNL) driver improperly handles objects in memory, aka "DirectX Graphics Kernel Elevation of Privilege 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-2018-8400, CVE-2018-8401, CVE-2018-8406.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2025
The DirectX Graphics Kernel driver vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8405 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Windows operating system's graphics subsystem. This vulnerability specifically impacts the dxgkrnl.sys driver component that manages graphics processing operations and memory management for DirectX applications. The flaw manifests when the driver fails to properly validate or handle certain memory objects during graphics rendering operations, creating a pathway for malicious code to escalate privileges from standard user level to system level access. The vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions including Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and various Windows 10 server editions, indicating a widespread impact across the Windows ecosystem.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically relates to improper handling of memory objects within kernel-mode drivers. The flaw occurs within the DirectX Graphics Kernel subsystem where legitimate graphics operations can trigger memory corruption that allows attackers to manipulate kernel memory structures. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the kernel space of the operating system, where malicious code can execute with the highest privileges available. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specific graphics operations or rendering commands that cause the dxgkrnl driver to process malformed memory objects, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with system-level privileges.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to achieve complete system compromise without requiring physical access or prior authentication. The attack surface is broad since DirectX is extensively used by legitimate applications and games, making exploitation relatively straightforward through social engineering or drive-by attacks. The vulnerability's classification as a privilege escalation issue means that even if an attacker initially gains access through a lower-privilege account, they can use this flaw to elevate their access level and gain full control over the affected system. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking persistent access to target networks and systems.
Security mitigations for CVE-2018-8405 primarily involve applying the Microsoft security patches released in August 2018 as part of the Windows security updates. Organizations should prioritize patch deployment across all affected Windows versions and monitor for exploitation attempts through endpoint detection and response systems. Network administrators should implement additional security controls such as application whitelisting to restrict the execution of potentially malicious graphics applications, and enable kernel-mode exploit protection features like Control Flow Guard and Address Space Layout Randomization. The vulnerability's alignment with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," underscores the importance of monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation activities and implementing least-privilege access controls to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.