CVE-2018-8639
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 r2
Raw vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HSummary
CVE-2018-8639 is a high-severity Improper Resource Shutdown or Release (CWE-404) vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Server 2008. Its CVSS base score is 7.8 (High).
Operationally, exploitation aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK technique Exploitation for Privilege Escalation (T1068); ranked in the top 3% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; CISA has added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Deeper analysis AI-assisted summary
Synthesised by an AI model from the NVD description and linked references — a reading aid, not an authoritative source.
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the Win32k component of Windows when it fails to properly handle objects in memory. The issue, tracked as CVE-2018-8639, affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, Windows 10, and Windows 10 Servers. It carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 and is distinct from the related CVE-2018-8641.
A local attacker with low privileges can exploit the flaw without user interaction to obtain full control over the affected system, resulting in complete loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability stems from improper object handling classified under CWE-404 and can be triggered through crafted interactions with the Win32k kernel-mode driver.
Microsoft has published guidance in its security advisory for CVE-2018-8639, and the flaw appears in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming observed in-the-wild exploitation. Organizations should apply the vendor-supplied updates referenced in the Microsoft Security Response Center advisory to address the issue.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2018-20250
Vulnerability Data
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows when the Win32k component fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows…
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Server 2019, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8641.
- CWE(s)
- KEV Date Added
- 03 March 2025
Related Threats
MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise Techniques
CVEs Like This One
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.
Contingency plan updates incorporate proper resource shutdown and release steps, preventing attackers from leveraging incomplete cleanup during recovery scenarios.
Mandates explicit shutdown of the network connection at session conclusion, directly addressing improper resource release.
Requires proper shutdown/release procedures that include overwriting or isolating data to block unintended transfer via reused system objects.
Procedures can mandate orderly shutdown or release of resources when failures occur, preventing improper resource handling after a fault.
Mitigating Controls (NIST CSF 2.0) AI
Derived directly from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry via our AI-authored CWE→CSF cross-walk (authority under review) — links open the control.
Secure SDLC practices directly include coding standards for correct resource allocation and release.
Runtime monitoring can detect resource exhaustion caused by improper shutdown or release.
Lifecycle management of assets can encompass proper resource release at end-of-life or shutdown.
Capacity management helps surface leaks from unreleased resources but does not prevent the coding flaw.
Mitigating Controls (ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A) AI
Derived directly from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry via our AI-authored CWE→ISO cross-walk (authority under review) — links open the control.
Including restart, recovery and media-handling instructions reduces the likelihood that resources or sensitive data will be left in an exposed or improperly released state after a failure.