CVE-2018-8174
Published: February 15, 2022
Official Description
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the VBScript engine handles objects in memory, aka "Windows VBScript Engine Remote Code Execution"
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Windows VBScript Engine Out-of-Bounds Write Vulnerability
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the VBScript engine handles objects in memory, aka "Windows VBScript Engine Remote Code Execution"
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
This vulnerability in the Windows VBScript engine allows for remote code execution due to how it handles objects in memory. The high EPSS score of 0.94283 and its presence in the KEV catalog indicate a very high likelihood of exploitation and critical urgency.
Active exploitation of this vulnerability has been observed in the wild, and it is confirmed to be exploited by CISA, indicating a severe and immediate threat. This vulnerability is remotely exploitable.
Apply the latest security updates for Microsoft Windows to patch the VBScript engine. Disabling VBScript where it is not essential can also reduce the attack surface.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2018-8174 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-2018-8174 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-2018-8174 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