CVE-2018-8406
HighExploitedPublic exploitAn elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the DirectX Graphics Kernel (DXGKRNL) driver improperly handles objects in memory, aka "DirectX Graphics Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Windows Server 2016, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers.
Published Aug 15, 2018 · Updated Oct 28, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2018-8406 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Windows 10 1507 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1607 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1703 (Microsoft) and 7 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Feb 19, 2019 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 3.4% 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
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
3.4%
Higher than 88.8% 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-2018-8406 brief as a PDF
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Description
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the DirectX Graphics Kernel (DXGKRNL) driver improperly handles objects in memory, aka "DirectX Graphics Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Windows Server 2016, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8400, CVE-2018-8401, CVE-2018-8405.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 28, 2022 | Apr 18, 2022 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Feb 19, 2019 | Apr 18, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 28, 2022 | Apr 18, 2022 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 28, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
16 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 1507Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| 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 |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Aug 15, 2018
Added to Industry KEV feed
Feb 19, 2019
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 28, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 28, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 28, 2022
Last updated
Oct 28, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-404 Improper Resource Shutdown or Release
References
- advisory105012
- advisory1041461
- patchhttps://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-8406
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the DirectX Graphics Kernel (DXGKRNL) driver improperly handles objects in memory, aka "DirectX Graphics Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Windows Server 2016, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers.
Affected: Windows 10 1507 (Microsoft); Windows 10 1607 (Microsoft); Windows 10 1703 (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 Feb 19, 2019 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Mar 28, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Apr 18, 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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