CVE-2015-0087 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Font Driver 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 remote attackers to obtain sensitive information from kernel memory, and possibly bypass the KASLR protection mechanism, via a crafted font, aka "Adobe Font Driver Information Disclosure Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-0089.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0087 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Adobe Font Driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically affects a broad range of Windows versions including 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. The flaw exists in how the system processes crafted font files, particularly those that leverage the Adobe Font Driver functionality, creating a pathway for remote attackers to extract sensitive data from kernel memory spaces.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves improper input validation and memory handling within the font processing pipeline. When a maliciously crafted font file is processed by the Adobe Font Driver, it triggers a condition where kernel memory addresses and sensitive information become accessible to unprivileged users. This occurs because the driver fails to properly validate font file structures and does not adequately protect kernel memory boundaries during font rendering operations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which deals with improper information exposure, and specifically relates to information disclosure through improper handling of font files. The flaw allows attackers to potentially bypass kernel address space layout randomization KASLR protection mechanisms, which are designed to prevent attackers from determining the memory layout of running processes and thus hinder exploitation of other vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with the ability to extract kernel memory contents, which may include sensitive information such as memory addresses, system pointers, and potentially cryptographic keys or other confidential data. This information disclosure can serve as a crucial stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as it enables attackers to gain detailed knowledge of the target system's memory layout and internal structures. The bypass of KASLR protection is particularly concerning because it undermines fundamental security mitigations that have been implemented to protect against exploitation techniques. Attackers can leverage this information to craft more precise and effective exploits against other vulnerabilities present in the system, effectively reducing the complexity and success rate of subsequent attacks. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0087 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. Microsoft released security updates that address this vulnerability through proper input validation and enhanced memory protection mechanisms within the font processing components. Organizations should prioritize applying the relevant security patches as soon as possible, particularly for systems that process untrusted font files or are exposed to external networks. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual font processing activities and memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of validating all input from untrusted sources and highlights the need for robust kernel memory protection mechanisms. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and information gathering, specifically T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation and T1082 for system information discovery, making it a critical target for defensive measures and incident response preparedness.