#VU14373 Improper input validation in Windows and Windows Server - CVE-2018-8414

Vulnerability identifier: #VU14373

Vulnerability risk: Critical

CVSSv4.0: 8.6 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:A/U:Red]

CVE-ID: CVE-2018-8414

CWE-ID: CWE-20

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Windows
Operating systems & Components / Operating system
Windows Server
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor: Microsoft

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to an error when validating file paths in Windows Shell. A remote attacker can create a specially crafted file, trick the victim into opening it and execute arbitrary system commands on the vulnerable system.

Note: this vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows: 10

Windows Server: 2016 10.0.14393.10

---

External links
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-8414

---

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.