CVE-2018-8581
HighExploitedPublic exploitAn elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Microsoft Exchange Server, aka "Microsoft Exchange Server Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Microsoft Exchange Server.
Published Nov 13, 2018 · Updated Oct 28, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2018-8581 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.4 v3.1) affecting Exchange Server (Microsoft).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 3, 2022 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 27% 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
7.4
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
27%
Higher than 98.0% 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-2018-8581 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Microsoft Exchange Server, aka "Microsoft Exchange Server Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Microsoft Exchange Server.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 3, 2022 | Mar 17, 2022 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Mar 3, 2022 | Mar 17, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 3, 2022 | Mar 17, 2022 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 3, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
5 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange ServerMicrosoft | 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, >= 2010 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Nov 13, 2018
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 3, 2022
Added to Industry KEV feed
Mar 3, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 3, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 3, 2022
Last updated
Oct 28, 2025
References
FAQ
Common Questions.
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Microsoft Exchange Server, aka "Microsoft Exchange Server Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Microsoft Exchange Server.
Affected: Exchange Server (Microsoft) versions 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, >= 2010. 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 Mar 3, 2022 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Mar 3, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Mar 17, 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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