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CVE Record

CVE-2018-8406: An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the DirectX Graphics Kernel (DXGKRNL) driver improperly...

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 2016, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8400, CVE-2018-8401, CVE-2018-8405.

HighCVSS 7.8Known exploitedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysis

Security readout for executives and security teams

CVE-2018-8406 is a Windows privilege-escalation flaw in the DirectX Graphics Kernel driver. An attacker who already has local low-privilege access could gain higher privileges on affected Windows 10 and Windows Server systems. CISA KEV listing means exploitation has been observed, so remaining legacy systems deserve prompt attention. Exposure is most likely where older Windows 10 builds, Windows Server 2016 Server Core, or Windows 10 Server Core 1709/1803 remain unpatched or unmanaged. Internet exposure is not the key issue; local code execution or compromised user access is the starting point. Prioritize remediation for any still-active affected systems, especially servers and high-value workstations. This is not a remote entry vulnerability, but KEV status raises urgency because it can turn a limited foothold into broader compromise. Mitigation focus: Check Microsoft MSRC guidance for applicable security updates and servicing status.; Prioritize patching affected Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 systems.; Retire or isolate unsupported affected builds that cannot receive security updates..

Prepared

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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ATT&CK lookup starting points

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Privilege behavior lookup

The CVE wording references privilege impact, so privilege escalation and authorization behavior review may help. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.

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CVE-2018-8406 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
High
CVSS
7.8 (3.1)
Known Exploited
Yes
Published

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

Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

1CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
3Source links

CISA KEV status

Status
Known exploited
Source
CISA / ADP
Date added
Not provided

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
7.8CVSS 3.1HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H1.85.9Primary CVE score

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.1 score

7.8High
CVSS 3.1 vector shape for CVE-2018-8406Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

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

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone
Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
MicrosoftWindows Server 2016(Server Core installation)Listed
MicrosoftWindows 1032-bit Systems, Version 1607 for 32-bit Systems, Version 1607 for x64-based Systems, Version 1703 for 32-bit Systems, Version 1703 for x64-based Systems, Version 1709 for 32-bit Systems, Version 1709 for x64-based Systems, Version 1803 for 32-bit Systems, Version 1803 for x64-based Systems, x64-based SystemsListed
MicrosoftWindows 10 Serversversion 1709 (Server Core Installation), version 1803 (Server Core Installation)Listed
Weakness

CWE details

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.

CWE-404 · source CWE mapping

Improper Resource Shutdown or Release

Improper Resource Shutdown or Release represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.