CVE-2018-8120
Published: March 15, 2022
Official Description
A privilege escalation vulnerability exists in Windows when the Win32k component fails to properly handle objects in memory.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
A privilege escalation vulnerability exists in Windows when the Win32k component fails to properly handle objects in memory.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
This vulnerability in the Windows Win32k component allows an attacker to gain elevated privileges on an affected system. With an EPSS score of 0.94149 and confirmed exploitation by CISA (is_in_kev: true), this is a critical flaw that is highly likely to be exploited.
Active exploitation of this vulnerability has been observed in the wild. Given its nature, it likely allows for local privilege escalation.
Apply the latest security updates for Windows to address the vulnerability in the Win32k component. Regular patching is essential to prevent privilege escalation attacks.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2018-8120 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2018-8120 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2018-8120 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1