CVE-2018-8453
Published: January 21, 2022
Official Description
Microsoft Windows Win32k contains a vulnerability that allows an attacker to escalate privileges.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Microsoft Windows Win32k contains a vulnerability that allows an attacker to escalate privileges.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
This vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Win32k allows an attacker to escalate privileges on an affected system. Its high EPSS score of 0.78167 and inclusion in CISA's KEV highlight a significant risk due to the confirmed active exploitation and potential for an attacker to gain higher access.
This vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild, indicating a severe and immediate threat. While the vector is not specified, privilege escalation typically requires initial access to the system.
Administrators should apply the latest security updates for Microsoft Windows. Implement the principle of least privilege to limit the impact of successful privilege escalation attempts.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2018-8453 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-2018-8453 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.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2018-8453 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