CVE-2018-8120VulnerabilityPublished 03/15/2022Updated 10/24/2026

CVE-2018-8120: Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Affects Microsoft Win32kSource CISA KEV

Severity

High

No CVSS score published yet

Exploitation: Actively exploited – in CISA KEV since 03/15/2022
KEV deadline: 04/05/2022
Ransomware: Used in ransomware campaigns
EPSS: 73.3% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 99% of CVEs

What to do

CISA required action

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-8120 (opens in a new tab)

Description

CVE-2018-8120 is a high-severity privilege escalation vulnerability in the Windows Win32k component. It arises from improper handling of objects in memory, allowing attackers to escalate privileges. This vulnerability has been exploited in the wild and is known to have been used in ransomware campaigns.

Summary

CVE-2018-8120 is a privilege escalation vulnerability in Microsoft Windows affecting the Win32k component. The flaw occurs because Win32k does not properly handle objects in memory, which can be exploited by attackers to gain elevated privileges on the affected system. This vulnerability has been observed in active exploitation scenarios, including ransomware campaigns.

Impact

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to escalate privileges on a Windows system, potentially gaining higher-level access than initially permitted. This can facilitate further malicious activities such as installing ransomware or other malware.

Mitigation

No patch or remediation information is provided in the input data. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the Microsoft vendor advisory for current remediation guidance.

Weaknesses

CWE-404Unclassified weakness (opens in a new tab)

What to do

Description

AnalysisAI-generated, updated 10/24/2026, 10:42:19 UTC

Weaknesses

References

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