Microsoft Windows Win32k Improper Resource Shutdown or Release Vulnerability

[ Why it matters ]Priority signals

• Exploited in the wild: on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list since 2025-03-03
• Known to be used in ransomware campaigns
• EPSS: 22% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (higher than 98% of CVEs)

[ Description ]Official description

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows when the Win32k component fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka "Win32k 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. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8641.

CISA: Microsoft Windows Win32k contains an improper resource shutdown or release vulnerability that allows for local, authenticated privilege escalation. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code in kernel mode.

[ Fixes ]Fixes and patches

CISA required action (US federal deadline 24 Mar 2025): Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

• Patch on portal.msrc.microsoft.comVendor patch or bulletin · NVD · Reference tagged 'Patch' by NVD

[ References ]References

• www.securityfocus.com/bid/106093Broken LinkThird Party AdvisoryVDB Entry
• portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-8639PatchVendor Advisory
• www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalogUS Government Resource