CVE-2018-8120
HighExploitedPublic exploitAn 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 Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2.
Published May 9, 2018 · Updated Aug 13, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2018-8120 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.0 v3.1) affecting Windows 7 (Microsoft), Windows Server 2008 (Microsoft), Windows Server 2008 R2.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since May 8, 2018 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 73% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.0
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
73%
Higher than 99.4% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings, used by ransomware
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2018-8120 brief as a PDF
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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 Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8124, CVE-2018-8164, CVE-2018-8166.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 15, 2022 | Apr 5, 2022 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | May 8, 2018 | Apr 5, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 15, 2022 | Apr 5, 2022 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 15, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
7 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 7Microsoft | >= 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 | n/a |
| Windows Server 2008Microsoft | r2-sp1, >= 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 | n/a |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 | >= Itanium-Based Systems Service Pack 1 | n/a |
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
May 8, 2018
Publicly disclosed
May 9, 2018
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 15, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 15, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 15, 2022
Last updated
Aug 13, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-404 Improper Resource Shutdown or Release
References
- advisory104034
- advisory1040849
- patchhttps://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-8120
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
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 Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2.
Affected: Windows 7 (Microsoft) versions >= 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1; Windows Server 2008 (Microsoft) versions r2-sp1, >= 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2; Windows Server 2008 R2 versions >= Itanium-Based Systems Service Pack 1. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since May 8, 2018 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Mar 15, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Apr 5, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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