Vulnerability identifier: #VU14818

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv3.1: 8.3 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:U/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2018-8423

CWE-ID: CWE-787

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Windows
Operating systems & Components / Operating system
Windows Server
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor: Microsoft

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to compromise affected system.

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error within the Microsoft Jet database engine when processing indexes in database files. A remote attacker can create a specially crafted file, trick the victim into opening it, trigger out-of-bounds write and execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may allow an attacker to compromise vulnerable system.

Mitigation
Microsoft has issued security patch to address this vulnerability on October 9. However patch was insufficient and did not cover all available attack vectors. The vulnerability remains unpatched.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows: 7, 8.1 - 8.1 RT, 10 - 10 1809

Windows Server: 2008 - 2019 1803

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External links
http://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-18-1075/
http://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-8423
http://www.zerodayinitiative.com/blog/2018/9/20/zdi-can-6135-a-remote-code-execution-vulnerability-...

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.