CVE-2015-0080 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
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 do not properly initialize memory for rendering of malformed PNG images, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information from process memory via a crafted web site, aka "Malformed PNG Parsing Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0080 represents a critical information disclosure flaw in Microsoft Windows operating systems that affects a broad range of platforms including Windows Server 2003 through Windows 8.1. This vulnerability specifically targets the rendering engine's handling of malformed Portable Network Graphics files, which are commonly encountered when browsing websites. The issue stems from improper memory initialization during the processing of these image formats, creating a scenario where attackers can manipulate the system's memory management to extract sensitive data from running processes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through web browsers when users visit malicious websites that serve specially crafted PNG images, making it a significant threat in typical browsing scenarios.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the Windows graphics rendering subsystem's inadequate memory management when processing malformed PNG image data. When the system encounters a specially crafted PNG file, the memory initialization routines fail to properly allocate or clear memory regions, leading to information leakage from adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability is classified as a memory corruption issue that can result in information disclosure, often categorized under CWE-125 as "Out-of-bounds Read" or CWE-248 as "Uncaught Exception." The flaw occurs during the parsing phase of PNG image handling where the system does not adequately validate or sanitize the image data before processing it, allowing attackers to construct malicious files that trigger memory read operations beyond intended boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0080 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked memory contents can potentially contain sensitive data such as encryption keys, session tokens, user credentials, or other confidential information stored in process memory. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform remote code execution by combining it with other exploits or to conduct reconnaissance activities that gather intelligence about running processes and system configurations. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the information disclosure can provide attackers with the necessary data to craft more sophisticated attacks. The remote exploitation capability means that users do not need to interact with malicious files directly, as simply visiting a compromised website can trigger the vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0080 should focus on both immediate patching and defensive measures. Microsoft released security updates that address this vulnerability through proper memory initialization routines and enhanced PNG parsing validation. Organizations should prioritize applying the relevant security patches immediately, particularly for systems running affected Windows versions. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help reduce exposure by blocking suspicious PNG content or implementing stricter validation of image files. Additionally, browser security settings can be adjusted to disable automatic image rendering or implement sandboxing mechanisms that limit the potential damage from malicious content. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual memory access patterns and consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices in graphics rendering components and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation across all system components handling user-supplied data.