CVE-2018-8639—Microsoft Windows Win32k Improper Resource Shutdown or Release Vulnerability

Vulnerability Name

Microsoft Windows Win32k Improper Resource Shutdown or Release Vulnerability

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.

Known To Be Used in Ransomware Campaigns?

Ransomware Status:

KNOWN

Action

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

Additional Notes

• https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/en-US/advisory/CVE-2018-8639
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-8639

Related News Articles

• Cisco, Hitachi, Microsoft, and Progress Flaws Actively Exploited—CISA Sounds AlarmMarch 4, 2025
• CISA tags Windows, Cisco vulnerabilities as actively exploitedMarch 3, 2025

Related Weaknesses

• CWE-404