CVE-2015-0057 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
win32k.sys in the kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, and Windows RT Gold and 8.1 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2025
The CVE-2015-0057 vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the win32k.sys kernel-mode driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically affects a wide range of Windows versions including server and client operating systems from Windows Server 2003 through Windows 8.1, making it one of the most widespread privilege escalation vulnerabilities in recent Windows history. The vulnerability resides in the kernel-mode drivers that handle user interface components and graphics rendering, specifically the win32k.sys driver which manages windowing system functionality and user input processing. This driver operates with elevated privileges and is responsible for handling graphics operations, window management, and input processing within the Windows kernel space.
The technical flaw manifests through improper validation of user-mode input within the kernel-mode context of win32k.sys. Attackers can craft malicious applications that exploit memory corruption issues when processing specific graphics or windowing operations, particularly those involving user interface elements and window management functions. The vulnerability allows local attackers to manipulate kernel-mode memory structures through carefully crafted inputs that bypass normal security boundaries. This occurs when the driver fails to properly validate parameters passed from user-mode applications to kernel-mode functions, creating opportunities for attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation flaw because it enables attackers who already have user-level access to elevate their privileges to SYSTEM level, effectively granting them complete control over the affected system. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions in kernel-mode drivers, and represents a classic example of a kernel-mode privilege escalation vulnerability.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0057 is severe and far-reaching given the widespread deployment of affected Windows versions across enterprise environments. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass standard user access controls and execute code with the highest system privileges, enabling complete system compromise. This includes the ability to install malware, modify system files, access sensitive data, and establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only local user access to exploit, meaning that attackers who gain access to a user account can immediately attempt to escalate their privileges without requiring additional authentication or network access. The exploitability of this vulnerability has made it a popular target for malware authors and advanced persistent threat actors who seek to establish persistent access to compromised systems. Organizations running affected versions of Windows are particularly vulnerable because the exploit can be triggered through legitimate user applications, making detection difficult and increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation in real-world scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0057 focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. Microsoft released security updates as part of their regular patching cycle to address this vulnerability, and organizations should prioritize applying these patches immediately to all affected systems. In environments where patching cannot be immediately implemented, administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as disabling unnecessary user access, implementing application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for suspicious kernel-mode activity. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of kernel-mode driver security and highlights the need for regular security assessments of system components that operate with elevated privileges. Security professionals should also implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that user accounts maintain the principle of least privilege. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the potential consequences of delaying security updates in enterprise environments where the attack surface is large and the potential impact of successful exploitation is severe. Organizations should also consider implementing security controls aligned with the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically focusing on privilege escalation techniques and kernel-mode exploitation methods that this vulnerability represents.