Dec 2018:
CVE-2018-8639 Published on December 12, 2018
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows when the Win32k component fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2019, 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-2018-8641.
Known Exploited Vulnerability
This Microsoft Windows Win32k Improper Resource Shutdown or Release Vulnerability is part of CISA's list of Known Exploited Vulnerabilities. Microsoft Windows Win32k contains an improper resource shutdown or release vulnerability that allows for local, authenticated privilege escalation. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code in kernel mode.
The following remediation steps are recommended / required by March 24, 2025: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2018-8639 can be exploited with local system access, and does not require authorization privileges or user interaction. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. This vulnerability is known to be actively exploited by threat actors. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to be very high.
Weakness Type
Improper Resource Shutdown or Release
The program does not release or incorrectly releases a resource before it is made available for re-use. When a resource is created or allocated, the developer is responsible for properly releasing the resource as well as accounting for all potential paths of expiration or invalidation, such as a set period of time or revocation.
Products Associated with CVE-2018-8639
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Affected Versions
Microsoft Windows 7:- Version 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 is affected.
- Version x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 is affected.
- Version (Server Core installation) is affected.
- Version Windows RT 8.1 is affected.
- Version 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 is affected.
- Version 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) is affected.
- Version Itanium-Based Systems Service Pack 2 is affected.
- Version x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 is affected.
- Version x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) is affected.
- Version (Server Core installation) is affected.
- Version (Server Core installation) is affected.
- Version 32-bit systems is affected.
- Version x64-based systems is affected.
- Version (Server Core installation) is affected.
- Version Itanium-Based Systems Service Pack 1 is affected.
- Version x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 is affected.
- Version x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation) is affected.
- Version 32-bit Systems is affected.
- Version Version 1607 for 32-bit Systems is affected.
- Version Version 1607 for x64-based Systems is affected.
- Version Version 1703 for 32-bit Systems is affected.
- Version Version 1703 for x64-based Systems is affected.
- Version Version 1709 for 32-bit Systems is affected.
- Version Version 1709 for ARM64-based Systems is affected.
- Version Version 1709 for x64-based Systems is affected.
- Version Version 1803 for 32-bit Systems is affected.
- Version Version 1803 for ARM64-based Systems is affected.
- Version Version 1803 for x64-based Systems is affected.
- Version Version 1809 for 32-bit Systems is affected.
- Version Version 1809 for ARM64-based Systems is affected.
- Version Version 1809 for x64-based Systems is affected.
- Version x64-based Systems is affected.
- Version version 1709 (Server Core Installation) is affected.
- Version version 1803 (Server Core Installation) is affected.
Exploit Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.