CVE-2018-8611 Microsoft Windows Kernel Privilege Escalation

Exploited in the wild High 7.8 Published 12 Dec 2018 Updated 21 Oct 2025

An attacker can exploit improper memory object handling in the Windows kernel to elevate privileges on affected systems.

Exploited in the wild: Since 24 May 2022
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2018-8611?

CVE-2018-8611 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 1607, published on 12 Dec 2018. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows kernel fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka "Windows Kernel 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.

Weakness: CWE-404

Which versions are affected by CVE-2018-8611?

It affects 12 products.

Products include Microsoft Windows 10 1607, Microsoft Windows 10 1703, Microsoft Windows 10 1709, Microsoft Windows 10 1803, Microsoft Windows 10 1809, Microsoft Windows 7 and 6 more.

How do I fix CVE-2018-8611?

No fix has been published for CVE-2018-8611 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available. US federal agencies must fix it by 14 Jun 2022.

Is CVE-2018-8611 being exploited?

Yes. Attackers have exploited CVE-2018-8611 in the wild since at least 24 May 2022.

Public exploit code: 2 proofs of concept on GitHub.

All Microsoft Windows 10 1607 vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-24mr-rp5r-phj8.