CVE-2018-8174
HighExploitedPublic exploitA remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the VBScript engine handles objects in memory, aka "Windows VBScript Engine Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." This affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server…
Published May 9, 2018 · Updated Aug 13, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2018-8174 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v3.1) affecting Windows 10 1607 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1703 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1709 (Microsoft) and 11 more products.
- 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 88% 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
7.5
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
88%
Higher than 99.7% 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-2018-8174 brief as a PDF
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Description
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the VBScript engine handles objects in memory, aka "Windows VBScript Engine Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." This affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Feb 15, 2022 | Aug 15, 2022 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | May 8, 2018 | Aug 15, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Feb 15, 2022 | Aug 15, 2022 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Feb 15, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
23 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 1607Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 10 1703Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 10 1709Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 10 1803Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 7Microsoft | >= 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 | n/a |
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
May 8, 2018
Publicly disclosed
May 9, 2018
Added to CISA KEV
Feb 15, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Feb 15, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Feb 15, 2022
Last updated
Aug 13, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write
References
- advisory103998
- patchhttps://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-8174
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploithttps://blog.0patch.com/2018/05/a-single-instruction-micropatch-for.html
FAQ
Common Questions.
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the VBScript engine handles objects in memory, aka "Windows VBScript Engine Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." This affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Wind…
Affected: Windows 10 1607 (Microsoft); Windows 10 1703 (Microsoft); Windows 10 1709 (Microsoft), among others. 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 Feb 15, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Aug 15, 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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