CVE-2018-8589

Name: CVE-2018-8589
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2018-11-14T01:29:02.067+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 3.05%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2018-8589 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows improperly handles calls to Win32k.sys, aka "Windows Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 3.05% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows improperly handles calls to Win32k.sys, aka "Windows Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

3.05%

85.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Jun 13, 2022.

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Microsoft	Windows 7	All versions	Sp1
Microsoft	Windows Server 2008	All versions	Sp2
Microsoft	Windows Server 2008	r2	Sp1

References

http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/105796Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1042140Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-8589Patch, Vendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/105796Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1042140Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-8589Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2018-8589US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Nov 14, 2018
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2018-8589?

How severe is CVE-2018-8589?

CVE-2018-8589 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 3.05% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2018-8589?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2018-8589?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST