NewsSecurity Vulnerabilities

Microsoft Windows Installer Privilege Escalation Vulnerability [CVE-2018-8339]

CVE Number – CVE-2018-8339

A vulnerability in the Microsoft Windows Installer could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges on a targeted system.

The vulnerability is due to improper input sanitization by the affected software, which could cause the affected software to load insecure libraries. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by accessing the system and executing an application that submits malicious input to the affected software. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code with system privileges and compromise the system completely.

Microsoft confirmed the vulnerability and released software updates.

Analysis
  • To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have user-level access to the targeted system. This access requirement could reduce the likelihood of a successful exploit.

    Microsoft addressed this vulnerability by correcting how the affected software sanitizes user-supplied input.

Safeguards
  • Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.

    Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to access local systems.

    Administrators are advised to allow only privileged users to access administration or management systems.

    Administrators may consider using the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) scan tool to identify common security misconfigurations and missing security updates on system endpoints.

    Administrators are advised to monitor critical systems.

Vendor Announcements

Further details here




Duncan

Duncan is a technology professional with over 20 years experience of working in various IT roles. He has a interest in cyber security, and has a wide range of other skills in radio, electronics and telecommunications.

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