CVE-2018-8414 Microsoft Windows Shell Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Shell does not properly validate file paths.
From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.
Should You Worry?
- CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 25 Mar 2022.
- Rated High severity (CVSS 8.8, scored by CISA).
- It has been in the catalogue for 1,687 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
What It Is
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Shell does not properly validate file paths, aka "Windows Shell Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." This affects Windows 10 Servers, Windows 10.
Affected Versions
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Windows 10 Servers | version 1709 (Server Core Installation) version 1803 (Server Core Installation) |
| Microsoft Windows 10 | 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 |
From the public CVE record, as supplied by the vendor. Always confirm against the vendor advisory.
What To Do Now
- 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
- 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
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
The Compliance Clock
General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.
Not Sure If You Are Exposed?
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