CVE-2018-8453 Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation
An attacker can exploit improper memory handling in the Win32k component to elevate privileges on affected Windows systems.
- Exploited in the wild
- Since 21 Jan 2022
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2018-8453?
CVE-2018-8453 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 1507, published on 10 Oct 2018. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
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 Server 2019, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2018-8453?
It affects 15 products.
Products include Microsoft Windows 10 1507, Microsoft Windows 10 1607, Microsoft Windows 10 1703, Microsoft Windows 10 1709, Microsoft Windows 10 1803, Microsoft Windows 10 1809 and 9 more.
How do I fix CVE-2018-8453?
No fix has been published for CVE-2018-8453 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available. US federal agencies must fix it by 21 Jul 2022.
Is CVE-2018-8453 being exploited?
Yes. Attackers have exploited CVE-2018-8453 in the wild since at least 21 Jan 2022, including in ransomware campaigns.
Public exploit code: 1 Metasploit module, 2 Exploit-DB entries and 3 proofs of concept on GitHub.
Other vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows 10 1507
- CVE-2017-8543 Microsoft Windows Search Remote Code Execution
- CVE-2025-33053 Microsoft Windows External Control of File Name or Path
- CVE-2025-33073 Microsoft Windows SMB Client Improper Access Control
- CVE-2024-49039 Microsoft Windows Task Scheduler Privilege Escalation
- CVE-2024-43461 Microsoft Windows MSHTML Platform Spoofing
Sources
Also known as GHSA-8587-44mr-xf6j.