CVE-2018-18435
CVE-2018-18435 is a high-severity vulnerability in Kioware Kioware Server with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-732.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
- CVSS v2: 7.2
- EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (69th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-732
- Affected product: Kioware Kioware Server
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
KioWare Server version 4.9.6 and older installs by default to "C:\kioware_com" with weak folder permissions granting any user full permission "Everyone: (F)" to the contents of the directory and it's sub-folders. In addition, the program installs a service called "KWSService" which runs as "Localsystem", this will allow any user to escalate privileges to "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM" by substituting the service's binary with a malicious one.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2018-18435?
- KioWare Server version 4.9.6 and older installs by default to "C:\kioware_com" with weak folder permissions granting any user full permission "Everyone: (F)" to the contents of the directory and it's sub-folders. In addition, the program installs a service called "KWSService" which runs as "Localsystem", this will allow any user to escalate privileges to "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM" by substituting the service's binary with a malicious one.
- How severe is CVE-2018-18435?
- CVE-2018-18435 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2018-18435 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (69th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2018-18435?
- CVE-2018-18435 affects Kioware Kioware Server. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2018-18435?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- When was CVE-2018-18435 published?
- CVE-2018-18435 was published on 2019-03-21 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/151031/KioWare-Server-4.9.6-Privilege-Escalation.html
- https://github.com/active-labs/Advisories/blob/master/2019/ACTIVE-2019-002.md
- https://m.kioware.com/news/kioware-press-releases/kioware_server_security_patch_update
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/46093/
- https://www.kioware.com/patch.aspx
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:kioware:kioware_server:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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