CVE-2015-0002 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The AhcVerifyAdminContext function in ahcache.sys in the Application Compatibility component in Microsoft Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, and Windows RT Gold and 8.1 does not verify that an impersonation token is associated with an administrative account, which allows local users to gain privileges by running AppCompatCache.exe with a crafted DLL file, aka MSRC ID 20544 or "Microsoft Application Compatibility Infrastructure Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2025
The CVE-2015-0002 vulnerability represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Microsoft Windows operating systems that affects multiple versions including Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, and Windows RT. This vulnerability resides in the ahcache.sys driver component of the Application Compatibility infrastructure, specifically within the AhcVerifyAdminContext function. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of impersonation tokens during administrative context verification, creating a pathway for local attackers to escalate their privileges without proper authentication. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it leverages the legitimate AppCompatCache.exe utility, which is designed to manage application compatibility data, making the attack vector more difficult to detect and prevent. This issue is categorized under CWE-284 Access Control, specifically related to insufficient privileges or permissions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 Privilege Escalation through the exploitation of application compatibility mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the trust relationship between the Application Compatibility component and the system's administrative functions. When AppCompatCache.exe executes with a crafted DLL file, the AhcVerifyAdminContext function fails to properly validate whether the impersonation token originates from an actual administrative account. This validation gap allows a local user to manipulate the execution context and effectively bypass standard security controls that should prevent privilege escalation. The flaw specifically targets the impersonation token validation process where legitimate administrative privileges should be confirmed before elevated operations are permitted. Attackers can craft malicious DLL files that, when loaded by AppCompatCache.exe, present false administrative credentials to the system, thereby enabling the execution of privileged operations that should be restricted to authorized administrators.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0002 is significant as it provides local attackers with a straightforward method to achieve administrative privileges on affected systems. This vulnerability can be exploited by any local user, including unprivileged accounts, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or shared computing scenarios. The attack requires minimal sophistication and can be automated, allowing adversaries to establish persistent access to systems. Once successfully exploited, the attacker gains full administrative control over the compromised system, enabling them to install malicious software, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially move laterally within network environments. The vulnerability's presence in core Windows components means that exploitation is possible across a wide range of systems, from desktop workstations to server environments, amplifying its potential impact.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0002 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security enhancements. Microsoft released security update MS15-004 to address this vulnerability, which should be deployed immediately across all affected systems. Organizations should implement the principle of least privilege by restricting local user access to critical system components and monitoring for unusual execution patterns of AppCompatCache.exe. Security configurations should include enhanced logging and monitoring of administrative privilege usage, particularly around application compatibility operations. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that system updates are current and that no unauthorized modifications have been made to system components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper token validation in system-level components and reinforces the need for comprehensive security testing of kernel-mode drivers. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous privilege escalation patterns and provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts.