Is CVE-2018-8639 actively exploited?

Yes. CVE-2018-8639 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which means exploitation in the wild has been confirmed.

Can CVE-2018-8639 be exploited remotely?

The attack vector of CVE-2018-8639 has not been classified yet.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2018-8639?

CVE-2018-8639 has not received a CVSS score yet.

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2018-8639

HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2018-8639

Published: March 3, 2025

EPSS:31.88%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:96.7th

Official Description

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.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

Microsoft Windows Win32k Improper Resource Shutdown or Release Vulnerability

Added to KEV: 2025-03-03Federal patch deadline: 2025-03-24⚠ USED IN RANSOMWARE CAMPAIGNS

Required Action (CISA)

Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

Risk Analysis

This vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Win32k allows a local, authenticated attacker to escalate privileges and run arbitrary code in kernel mode. Its inclusion in the KEV catalog and an EPSS score of 0.31879 indicate a high likelihood of exploitation, making it an urgent concern for Windows systems.

This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild, as confirmed by its presence in the KEV catalog. Attackers are leveraging this flaw for privilege escalation on compromised systems.

Recommended Action

Apply the latest security updates from Microsoft to address this improper resource shutdown or release vulnerability. Ensure all Windows systems are regularly patched to prevent local privilege escalation.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2018-8639 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-2018-8639 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.