CVE-2018-8414
HighExploitedPublic exploitA remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Shell does not properly validate file paths, aka "Windows Shell Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." This affects Windows 10 Servers, Windows 10.
Published Aug 15, 2018 · Updated Oct 28, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2018-8414 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.8 v3.1) affecting Windows 10 1703 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1709 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1803 (Microsoft) and 4 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Aug 14, 2018. 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
8.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/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
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2018-8414 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Shell does not properly validate file paths, aka "Windows Shell Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." This affects Windows 10 Servers, Windows 10.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 25, 2022 | Apr 15, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Aug 14, 2018 | Apr 15, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 25, 2022 | Apr 15, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 25, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
10 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 1703Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 10 1709Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 10 1803Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows Server 1709Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows Server 1803Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Aug 14, 2018
Publicly disclosed
Aug 15, 2018
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 25, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 25, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 25, 2022
Last updated
Oct 28, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-20 Improper Input Validation
References
- advisory105016
- advisory1041458
- patchhttps://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-8414
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Shell does not properly validate file paths, aka "Windows Shell Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." This affects Windows 10 Servers, Windows 10.
Affected: Windows 10 1703 (Microsoft); Windows 10 1709 (Microsoft); Windows 10 1803 (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 Aug 14, 2018.
Yes. It was added on Mar 25, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Apr 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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