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HighCISA KEVExploited in the wildPublic exploit

RCE in Microsoft COM for Windows via Improper Handling of Serialized Objects

IdentifiersCVE-2018-0824CWE-502· Deserialization of Untrusted Data

CVE-2018-0824 is a remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft COM for Windows. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of serialized objects, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. The flaw affects multiple Windows versions, including Windows 7, 8.1, 10, Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016, and Windows RT 8.1. Exploitation typically requires an attacker to convince a user to open a specially crafted file or visit a malicious website that leverages the vulnerable COM component.

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ANALYST BRIEF

Impact, mitigation & remediation

What it means. What to do now. Patch path, mitigations, and the assume-compromise checklist.

Impact

What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.

Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user, potentially leading to full system compromise. This can be leveraged for further lateral movement, data exfiltration, or installation of persistent malware. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where users have administrative privileges or where COM objects are exposed to untrusted input.

Mitigation

If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.

If immediate patching is not possible, restrict access to COM components from untrusted sources and limit user privileges to reduce the impact of potential exploitation. Employ network and endpoint security controls to detect and block attempts to exploit the vulnerability, and educate users to avoid opening files or links from untrusted sources.

Remediation

Patch, then assume compromise.

Apply the security updates provided by Microsoft as part of the May 2018 Patch Tuesday. Ensure all affected Windows systems are updated to the latest patch level. Microsoft has addressed the vulnerability by correcting how COM for Windows handles serialized objects.
PUBLIC EXPLOITS

Exploits

1 valid exploit after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos (1 hidden).

VALID 1 / 2 TOTALView more in app
UnmarshalPwnMaturityPoCVerified exploit

This repository is a Proof-of-Concept (POC) exploit for CVE-2018-0824, a deserialization vulnerability in Microsoft .NET Framework that can lead to remote code execution. The repository is structured as a Visual Studio C++ project named 'UnmarshalPwn'. The main exploit logic is expected to reside in 'UnmarshalPwn/UnmarshalPwn/UnmarshalPwn.cpp', though the actual source code is not included in the provided content. The project files (.sln, .vcxproj, .filters) and build configuration indicate it is intended to be built and run on Windows, targeting both x86 and x64 platforms. The README and references point to a detailed blog post for further information. No network endpoints, IPs, or URLs are hardcoded in the project files themselves. The exploit demonstrates the vulnerability but does not appear to be weaponized or part of a larger framework. Its primary purpose is to serve as a POC for researchers and defenders to understand and test the CVE-2018-0824 vulnerability.

codewhitesecDisclosed Jun 15, 2018cpplocal
EXPOSURE SURFACE

Affected products & vendors

Products and vendors Mallory has correlated with this vulnerability. Open in Mallory to drill down to specific CPE configurations and version ranges.

VendorProductType
Microsoft CorporationWindows 10operating_system
Microsoft CorporationWindows 10 1507operating_system
Microsoft CorporationWindows 10 1607operating_system
Microsoft CorporationWindows 10 1703operating_system
Microsoft CorporationWindows 10 1709operating_system
Microsoft CorporationWindows 10 1803operating_system
Microsoft CorporationWindows 7operating_system
Microsoft CorporationWindows 8.1operating_system
Microsoft CorporationWindows Rt 8.1operating_system
Microsoft CorporationWindows Server 1709operating_system
Microsoft CorporationWindows Server 1803operating_system
Microsoft CorporationWindows Server 2008operating_system
Microsoft CorporationWindows Server 2012operating_system
Microsoft CorporationWindows Server 2016operating_system

Vendor-confirmed product mapping. Mallory continuously reconciles this list against your asset inventory.

What this page doesn’t show

The version that knows your environment.

This page is what’s public. Mallory adds the parts that aren’t: which of your assets are affected, which adversaries are exploiting it right now, which detections to deploy, and what to do tonight.
Exposure mapping

Query your assets running an affected version, and investigate the blast radius.

Threat actor evidence1

Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.

Associated malware2

Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.

Detection signatures1

YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.

Vendor-by-vendor mapping

Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.

Social activity

Community discussion across Reddit, Mastodon, and other social sources.