How severe is CVE-2018-8253?

CVE-2018-8253 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 4.6, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over physical access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.

Is CVE-2018-8253 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (76th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2018-8253?

CVE-2018-8253 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2018-8253?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2018-8253 published?

CVE-2018-8253 was published on 2018-08-15 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2018-8253

CVE-2018-8253 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 4.6. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 4.6)
CVSS v2: 2.1
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (76th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Microsoft Windows 10
Published: 2018-08-15
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Microsoft Cortana allows arbitrary website browsing on the lockscreen, aka "Microsoft Cortana Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Windows Server 2016, Windows 10.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2018-8253?: An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Microsoft Cortana allows arbitrary website browsing on the lockscreen, aka "Microsoft Cortana Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Windows Server 2016, Windows 10.
How severe is CVE-2018-8253?: CVE-2018-8253 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 4.6, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over physical access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.
Is CVE-2018-8253 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (76th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2018-8253?: CVE-2018-8253 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2018-8253?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2018-8253 published?: CVE-2018-8253 was published on 2018-08-15 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:1607:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2016:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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