CVE-2018-8611
HighExploitedPublic exploitAn elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows kernel fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka "Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2019,…
Published Dec 11, 2018 · Updated Oct 29, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2018-8611 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Windows 10 1607 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1703 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1709 (Microsoft) and 13 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Oct 29, 2018. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 4.2% 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)
4.2%
Higher than 90.8% 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-2018-8611 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 when the Windows kernel fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka "Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2019, 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 | May 24, 2022 | Jun 14, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Oct 29, 2018 | Jun 14, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | May 24, 2022 | Jun 14, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | May 24, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
26 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 10 1809Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Oct 29, 2018
Publicly disclosed
Dec 11, 2018
Added to CISA KEV
May 24, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
May 24, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
May 24, 2022
Last updated
Oct 29, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-404 Improper Resource Shutdown or Release
References
- advisory106082
- patchhttps://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-8611
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows kernel fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka "Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windo…
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 Oct 29, 2018.
Yes. It was added on May 24, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Jun 14, 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.
Is CVE-2018-8611 Running On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense maps vulnerabilities like this one to your internet-facing assets and tells you exactly where to patch.
Request A Demo