Microsoft DirectX Graphics Kernel Privilege Escalation
CVE-2018-8405 is a high-severity improper resource shutdown or release vulnerability in Windows Server 2012 R2 from Microsoft, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected Windows Server 2012 R2 versions: (Server Core installation). The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on March 28, 2022, which means attacks have been observed in the wild, including in ransomware campaigns.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Check which version of Windows Server 2012 R2 you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- Read the advisory on portal.msrc.microsoft.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2012 R2 | (Server Core installation) | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows RT 8.1 | Windows RT 8.1 | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2016 | (Server Core installation) | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows 8.1 | 32-bit systems; x64-based systems | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 | 32-bit Systems; Version 1607 for 32-bit Systems; Version 1607 for x64-based Systems; Version 1703 for 32-bit Systems; Version 1703 for x64-based Systems; Version 1709 for 32-bit Systems; Version 1709 for x64-based Systems; Version 1803 for 32-bit Systems; and 2 more ranges | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 Servers | version 1709 (Server Core Installation); version 1803 (Server Core Installation) | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 1507 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 1607 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 1703 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 1709 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 1803 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 1709 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 1803 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2012 | r2 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 7.2 | High | NVD |
Official description
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.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Resource Shutdown or Release
The product does not release or incorrectly releases a resource before it is made available for re-use.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use a language that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid. For example, languages such as Java, Ruby, and Lisp perform automatic garbage collection that releases memory for objects that have been deallocated.
- It is good practice to be responsible for freeing all resources you allocate and to be consistent with how and where you free memory in a function. If you allocate memory that you intend to free upon completion of the function, you must be sure to free the memory at all exit points for that function including error conditions.
- Memory should be allocated/freed using matching functions such as malloc/free, new/delete, and new[]/delete[].
More Improper Resource Shutdown or Release vulnerabilities (CWE-404)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2018-8405US Government Resource
Other vulnerabilities in Windows Server 2012 R2
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
Recent Improper Resource Shutdown or Release vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Exploited
- 7.5 High severity
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