Microsoft COM for Windows Deserialization Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2018-0824)
Executive & SecOps Summary
SECOPS ASSESSMENTMicrosoft Windows operating systems including Windows 7, 8.1, 10, and Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016
Remote attackers can execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges by sending specially crafted serialized objects
Apply the official Microsoft cumulative security updates and restrict untrusted COM/DCOM network traffic
Affected Products & Version Scope
Remediation & Live Workaround Commands
PATCH & WORKAROUND1. Official Patch & Version Upgrade Commands
Install the official Microsoft cumulative security updates. You can use the following PowerShell commands to force the installation of the required security patches.
# Install and import the Windows Update module to apply the security patch
Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate -Force
Get-WindowsUpdate -KBArticleID KB4093118 -Install -AcceptAll -AutoReboot2. Temporary Workaround & Hardening Configuration
If immediate patching is not feasible, block inbound DCOM traffic (TCP port 135) at the network perimeter and host-based firewalls.
# Block inbound TCP port 135 (DCOM) using Windows Advanced Firewall
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name='Block_DCOM_Inbound' dir=in action=block protocol=TCP localport=1353. Log Audit & IoC Verification Commands
Monitor the Windows Security Log for suspicious child processes spawned by COM host processes (e.g., dllhost.exe).
# Query Security Event Logs for suspicious process creation events (Event ID 4688)
Get-WinEvent -FilterHashtable @{LogName='Security'; Id=4688} |
Where-Object {$_.Message -like '*dllhost.exe*' -or $_.Message -like '*svchost.exe*'} |
Select-Object TimeCreated, Message -First 50 | Format-ListBlock Kernel Privilege Escalation & Ransomware Payloads Before You Can Reboot
Protect unpatched Windows, Linux, and macOS workloads against in-memory exploitation and lateral movement with autonomous EDR.
Technical Root Cause & Exploitation Mechanics
1. Vulnerability Overview & Root Cause
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in 'Microsoft COM for Windows' due to a failure to properly handle and validate serialized objects (CWE-502). When the Component Object Model (COM) infrastructure deserializes untrusted input streams without proper type validation, it allows arbitrary object instantiation, leading to code execution.
2. Exploitation Mechanics & Attack Scenario
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by transmitting a specially crafted serialized data stream to a vulnerable COM interface. This often involves user interaction (UI:R), where a victim is enticed to open a malicious file or link, triggering the deserialization process on the target system and executing the embedded payload.
3. Infrastructure & Business Impact
This vulnerability is listed in the CISA KEV catalog, indicating active exploitation in the wild, and carries a high EPSS score of over 0.73. Successful exploitation grants the attacker full control over the affected system, enabling lateral movement, ransomware deployment, and critical data exfiltration.
Official Vendor Advisories & References
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in "Microsoft COM for Windows" when it fails to properly handle serialized objects, aka "Microsoft COM for Windows Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." This affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers.
Frequently Asked SecOps Questions (CVE-2018-0824)
FAQQ1. How critical is CVE-2018-0824 and is it actively exploited in the wild?
CVE-2018-0824 is rated CVSS 8.8 (HIGH) with a 30-day EPSS exploitation probability of 73.0%. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, requiring immediate emergency remediation.
Q2. Which vendors and products are affected by CVE-2018-0824?
Primary impacted vendors include microsoft across windows, windows_server. Scope summary: Windows 7, 8.1, 10, and Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016 utilizing Microsoft COM
Q3. What temporary mitigations or workarounds exist for CVE-2018-0824 before patching?
[Mitigation] Apply the official Microsoft cumulative security updates and restrict untrusted COM/DCOM network traffic Follow the CLI remediation commands and interactive SecOps checklist on this page to restrict exposure prior to your maintenance window.
Generate an Internal Engineering Notice or CISO Report for CVE-2018-0824
Instantly format this advisory into an executive CISO summary or engineering patch ticket.
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