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Actively exploited

CVE-2018-0824 Microsoft COM for Windows Deserialization of Untrusted Data Vulnerability

Microsoft COM for Windows contains a deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability that allows for privilege escalation and remote code execution via a specially crafted file or script.

From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.

Our Assessment

Should You Worry?

Patch urgentlyCybergen assessment
  • CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 5 Aug 2024.
  • Rated High severity (CVSS 7.5, scored by CISA).
  • It has been in the catalogue for 823 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
The Vulnerability

What It Is

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in "Microsoft COM for Windows" when it fails to properly handle serialized objects, aka "Microsoft COM for Windows Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." This affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers.

From Watch to Action

What To Do Now

  1. 1

    Find it

    Search your asset inventory and external attack surface for Microsoft Windows. Include cloud images, appliances and anything a supplier runs for you.

    Attack Surface Management
  2. 2

    Fix it

    Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

    Vulnerability Management
  3. 3

    Hunt for compromise

    If an affected system was reachable before you patched, assume it may have been hit. Check logs, new accounts, web shells and outbound connections from the date of exposure.

    Incident Response
  4. 4

    Prove it is fixed

    Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.

    Penetration Testing

Vendor Advisories

Regulation

The Compliance Clock

Cyber EssentialsRated high, so if it affects devices in your Cyber Essentials scope, the update must be installed within 14 days of the vendor releasing it.NIS2If exploitation causes a significant incident, essential and important entities owe their CSIRT an early warning within 24 hours and a notification within 72 hours.DORAFinancial entities must classify ICT incidents and send an initial notification for a major incident within strict deadlines, with exploited flaws a common cause.US federal (BOD 22-01)Federal civilian agencies had until 26 Aug 2024 to remediate. A sensible benchmark for everyone else.

General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.

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Evidence

Sources

  1. CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue
  2. NVD: CVE-2018-0824
  3. CVE record: CVE-2018-0824
  4. FIRST EPSS
  5. msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/en-US/advisory/CVE-2018-0824
  6. securitytracker.com/id/1040848
  7. exploit-db.com/exploits/44906/
  8. securityfocus.com/bid/104030
  9. portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-0824