CVE-2018-8639: Microsoft Windows Win32k Improper Resource Shutdown or Release Vulnerability

Published Dec 12, 2018
·
Updated

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.

Other sources

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.

CISA

Affected Software

26 affected components
Microsoft Windows 10
Microsoft Windows 10=1607
Microsoft Windows 10=1703
Microsoft Windows 10=1709
Microsoft Windows 10=1803
Microsoft Windows 10=1809
Microsoft Windows 7=sp1
Microsoft Windows 8.1
Microsoft Windows RT 8.1
Microsoft Windows Server 2008=sp2
Microsoft Windows Server 2008=r2
Microsoft Windows Server 2008=r2
Microsoft Windows Server 2012
Microsoft Windows Server 2012=r2
Microsoft Windows Server 2016
Microsoft Windows Server 2016=1709
Microsoft Windows Server 2016=1803
Microsoft Windows Server 2019
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows 10 1507
Microsoft Windows 10 1607
Microsoft Windows 10 1703
Microsoft Windows 10 1709
Microsoft Windows 10 1803
Microsoft Windows 10 1809
Microsoft Windows Server 2008=r2-sp1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Compensating control

    Follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services.

  2. Compensating control

    Discontinue use of the affected product(s) if mitigations are unavailable.

Event History

Dec 12, 2018
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:00 AM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·12:29 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Mar 3, 2025
Known Exploited
via CISA·12:00 AM
Known Ransomware
via CISA·12:00 AM
News Published
via BleepingComputer·05:51 PM
News Published
via BleepingComputer·05:52 PM

Peer vulnerabilities

Found alongside the following vulnerabilities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2018-8639?

CVE-2018-8639 has a severity rating of important according to Microsoft's classification.

2

How do I fix CVE-2018-8639?

To mitigate CVE-2018-8639, apply the latest security updates provided by Microsoft.

3

Which Windows versions are affected by CVE-2018-8639?

CVE-2018-8639 affects multiple versions including Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2019.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2018-8639?

CVE-2018-8639 is classified as an elevation of privilege vulnerability.

5

Can CVE-2018-8639 be exploited remotely?

CVE-2018-8639 requires local access to the system to be exploited, making remote exploitation unlikely.

Contact

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