# CVE-2018-8414: Microsoft Windows Shell Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2018-8414-microsoft-windows-shell-remote-code-execution-vulnerability  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2022-03-25. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2018-8414 · Severity: critical · CVSS 8.8 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2022-03-25

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the Windows Shell due to improper validation of file paths. An attacker could exploit this to execute arbitrary code on a target system, typically requiring user interaction such as opening a specially crafted file.

Technologies: [Microsoft Windows](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows). Vendors: [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2018-8414 exploited in the wild?** Yes. CVE-2018-8414 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 25 March 2022. Treat it as urgent.

**How severe is CVE-2018-8414?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 25 March 2022.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Microsoft Windows 10 1703, 1709, 1803; Microsoft Windows Server 1709, 1803.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2018-8414?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2018-8414 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2018-8414?** Check whether you run Microsoft Windows. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Affected products

- Microsoft Windows 10 1703, 1709, 1803
- Microsoft Windows Server 1709, 1803

## Timeline

- 2018-10-12: disclosed: Initial analysis by NIST
- 2022-03-25: kev added: Added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog
- 2022-03-25: exploited: Reported as exploited in the wild in CISA KEV catalog

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