7.8

CVE-2018-8611: Microsoft Windows Kernel Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

CVSS: 7.8v3.1HighKEVAnalyzed
Published 12-12-2018Last modified 21-10-2025
Open JSON

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2018-8611 is a high (CVSS 7.8) Improper Resource Shutdown or Release vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 24-05-2022. EPSS estimates a 4.20% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 90.8% of scored vulnerabilities.

Overall risk
85/100
0100
Critical · default modelHow is this calculated?
CVSS score
7.8/10
010
High · v3.1 (CVE.org)
EPSS score
4.20%
0%100%
Low · 0.00 pp in 30 days
KEVListedCISA
RansomwareNone recordedNo known use recorded
Public exploits0No public exploits recorded

Timeline

  1. 12-12-2018
    PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
  2. 24-05-2022
    Added to CISA KEVMicrosoft Windows Kernel Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
  3. 14-06-2022
    CISA remediation dueApply updates per vendor instructions.
  4. 21-10-2025
    Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

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.

CVSS metrics

3 scores · 2 sources · 2 versions

EPSS trend

Probability

4.20%

Chance of exploitation in the next 30 days

Percentile

91%

Versus all other CVEs

30-day change

0.00 pp

From 4.20% on 19-09-2026

19-09-202619-10-2026
EPSS score
4.20%

Known exploited

Compare KEV catalogs
CISA KEVListed
Added
24-05-2022
Federal due date
14-06-2022

CISA required action

Apply updates per vendor instructions. nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-8611

Public exploits

0 found

No public exploits indexed.

Weaknesses

CWE · root cause

Affected systems

Microsoft16 products
  • windows_1032-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 ARM64-based Systems | Version 1709 for x64-based Systems | Version 1803 for 32-bit Systems | Version 1803 for ARM64-based Systems | Version 1803 for x64-based Systems | Version 1809 for 32-bit Systems | Version 1809 for ARM64-based Systems | Version 1809 for x64-based Systems | x64-based Systems
  • windows_10_1607na
  • windows_10_1703na
  • windows_10_1709na
  • windows_10_1803na

1 vendor · 16 products

References

3 links