Windows DirectX Graphics Kernel (DXGKRNL) Local Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability (CVE-2018-8405)
Executive & SecOps Summary
SECOPS ASSESSMENTWindows 8.1, 10, Windows Server 2012 R2, 2016, and Windows RT 8.1
A local attacker can execute arbitrary code in kernel mode, completely compromising the system and gaining SYSTEM privileges
Immediately apply the official Microsoft cumulative security updates and restrict unauthorized local access
Affected Products & Version Scope
Remediation & Live Workaround Commands
PATCH & WORKAROUND1. Official Patch & Version Upgrade Commands
Apply the official Microsoft security updates immediately. You can use PowerShell to force the installation of the required cumulative updates.
# Install Windows Update module and trigger update for the specific KB
Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate -Force -Verbose
Get-WindowsUpdate -KBArticleID KB4457128, KB4457145 -Install -AcceptAll -AutoReboot2. Temporary Workaround & Hardening Configuration
If immediate patching is not feasible, restrict local interactive logon sessions and disable Remote Desktop Services (RDP) to minimize the attack surface.
# Temporarily disable Remote Desktop Services to prevent unauthorized local access
Stop-Service -Name 'TermService' -Force
Set-Service -Name 'TermService' -StartupType Disabled
# Ensure the local Guest account is disabled
Disable-LocalUser -Name 'Guest'3. Log Audit & IoC Verification Commands
Verify the file version of the DirectX Graphics Kernel driver (dxgkrnl.sys) to ensure the system has been updated to a secure version.
# Check the file version of dxgkrnl.sys
$sysPath = '${env:SystemRoot}\System32\drivers\dxgkrnl.sys'
if (Test-Path $sysPath) {
$fileVersion = (Get-Item $sysPath).VersionInfo.FileVersion
Write-Host 'Current dxgkrnl.sys Version:' $fileVersion
} else {
Write-Warning 'dxgkrnl.sys file not found.'
}Block 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
This vulnerability (CVE-2018-8405) is an elevation of privilege vulnerability that occurs when the DirectX Graphics Kernel (DXGKRNL) driver improperly handles objects in memory (CWE-404). The root cause lies in the kernel-mode driver's failure to properly validate and manage the lifecycle of graphics-related objects, leading to memory corruption or use-after-free conditions when processing specific system calls.
2. Exploitation Mechanics & Attack Scenario
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must first obtain local execution privileges on the target Windows system. The attacker then runs a specially crafted application designed to make malicious API calls to the DXGKRNL driver. By passing malformed parameters, the attacker triggers memory corruption within the kernel space, allowing them to hijack the execution flow and run arbitrary code with elevated SYSTEM privileges.
3. Infrastructure & Business Impact
As this vulnerability is listed in the CISA KEV (Known Exploited Vulnerabilities) catalog, it has been actively exploited in the wild. Successful exploitation allows a local attacker to bypass all user-mode security controls, disable endpoint protection (EDR/AV), dump sensitive credentials from memory, and establish persistent control over the compromised host, posing a severe threat to enterprise infrastructure.
Official Vendor Advisories & References
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the DirectX Graphics Kernel (DXGKRNL) driver improperly handles objects in memory, aka "DirectX Graphics Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8400, CVE-2018-8401, CVE-2018-8406.
Frequently Asked SecOps Questions (CVE-2018-8405)
FAQQ1. How critical is CVE-2018-8405 and is it actively exploited in the wild?
CVE-2018-8405 is rated CVSS 7.8 (HIGH) with a 30-day EPSS exploitation probability of 3.4%. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, requiring immediate emergency remediation.
Q2. Which vendors and products are affected by CVE-2018-8405?
Primary impacted vendors include microsoft across windows, windows_server. Scope summary: Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016, and associated Server editions
Q3. What temporary mitigations or workarounds exist for CVE-2018-8405 before patching?
[Mitigation] Immediately apply the official Microsoft cumulative security updates and restrict unauthorized local access 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-2018-8405
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