CVE-2018-0788 : Security Advisory and Response

Windows Adobe Type Manager Font Driver (Atmfd.dll) in various Windows versions is vulnerable to an elevation of privilege exploit due to memory object handling.

Understanding CVE-2018-0788

The vulnerability, known as "OpenType Font Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," affects multiple Windows operating systems.

What is CVE-2018-0788?

The flaw arises from how the Windows Adobe Type Manager Font Driver manages objects in memory, allowing attackers to elevate privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2018-0788

This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to gain elevated privileges on affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-0788

The technical aspects of the CVE-2018-0788 vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in the Windows Adobe Type Manager Font Driver enables threat actors to escalate privileges by manipulating memory objects.

Affected Systems and Versions

Windows 7 SP1
Windows 8.1 and RT 8.1
Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1
Windows Server 2012 and R2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code and potentially take control of the affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-0788, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Microsoft promptly.
Monitor for any unusual system behavior that could indicate exploitation.
Implement the principle of least privilege to limit potential damage.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and operating systems.
Conduct security training for users to recognize and report suspicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all affected systems are updated with the latest security patches from Microsoft to mitigate the risk of exploitation.