CVE-2018-8589
HighExploitedPublic exploitAn elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows improperly handles calls to Win32k.sys, aka "Windows Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2.
Published Nov 13, 2018 · Updated Oct 28, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2018-8589 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 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 Oct 17, 2018. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 3.0% 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)
3.0%
Higher than 87.2% 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-2018-8589 brief as a PDF
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Description
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows improperly handles calls to Win32k.sys, aka "Windows Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | May 23, 2022 | Jun 13, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Oct 17, 2018 | Jun 13, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | May 23, 2022 | Jun 13, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | May 23, 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
Oct 17, 2018
Publicly disclosed
Nov 13, 2018
Added to CISA KEV
May 23, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
May 23, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
May 23, 2022
Last updated
Oct 28, 2025
References
- advisory105796
- advisory1042140
- patchhttps://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-8589
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows improperly handles calls to Win32k.sys, aka "Windows 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 Oct 17, 2018.
Yes. It was added on May 23, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Jun 13, 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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