CVE-2018-1036 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A security vulnerability known as the "NTFS Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability" affects various Microsoft operating systems, including Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 10, and Windows 10 Servers.

Understanding CVE-2018-1036

This CVE identifies an elevation of privilege vulnerability due to incorrect access checks performed by NTFS.

What is CVE-2018-1036?

This vulnerability arises from NTFS improperly checking access, allowing attackers to elevate privileges on affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2018-1036

The vulnerability poses a significant security risk as attackers could exploit it to gain elevated privileges on the impacted systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-1036

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The NTFS Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability stems from inadequate access verification within the NTFS system, enabling unauthorized privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following Microsoft operating systems and versions are affected:

Windows 7 (32-bit Systems Service Pack 1, x64-based Systems Service Pack 1)
Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation)
Windows RT 8.1 (Windows RT 8.1)
Windows Server 2008 (32-bit Systems Service Pack 2, 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation), Itanium-Based Systems Service Pack 2, x64-based Systems Service Pack 2, x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation))
Windows Server 2012 ((Server Core installation))
Windows 8.1 (32-bit systems, x64-based systems)
Windows Server 2016 ((Server Core installation))
Windows Server 2008 R2 (Itanium-Based Systems Service Pack 1, x64-based Systems Service Pack 1, x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation))
Windows 10 (32-bit Systems, Version 1607 for 32-bit Systems, Version 1607 for x64-based Systems, Version 1703 for 32-bit Systems, Version 1703 for x64-based Systems, Version 1709 for 32-bit Systems, Version 1709 for x64-based Systems, Version 1803 for 32-bit Systems, Version 1803 for x64-based Systems, x64-based Systems)
Windows 10 Servers (version 1709 (Server Core Installation), version 1803 (Server Core Installation))

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating access controls within the NTFS system to gain unauthorized elevated privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-1036, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Microsoft promptly.
Implement least privilege access controls to limit potential exploitation.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activity indicating privilege escalation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and operating systems to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits and assessments to identify and address potential privilege escalation risks.
Educate users on best practices for maintaining secure access controls and permissions.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all affected systems are updated with the latest security patches released by Microsoft to mitigate the NTFS Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability.