Vulnerability identifier: #VU15834

Vulnerability risk: Medium

CVSSv3.1: 7.5 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:H/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2018-8589

CWE-ID: CWE-119

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: Yes

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

Vendor: Microsoft

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error within Win32k.sys driver. A local user can create a specially crafted application, run it on vulnerable system and execute code withe superuser privileges.

Note: this vulnerability is being actively exploited in limited targeted attacks.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows Server: 2008 - 2008 R2

Windows: 7

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External links
http://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-8589

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.