CVE-2015-0088 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 execute arbitrary code via a crafted (1) web site or (2) file, aka "Adobe Font Driver Remote Code Execution Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-0090, CVE-2015-0091, CVE-2015-0092, and CVE-2015-0093.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2022
The CVE-2015-0088 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Adobe Font Driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically affects a wide 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 resides in how the system processes font data, particularly when handling crafted font files or web content that triggers the Adobe Font Driver functionality. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration CWE-119 category, which encompasses weaknesses related to memory safety issues and improper handling of input data that can lead to buffer overflows and arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through maliciously crafted font files or web content that when processed by the Adobe Font Driver component triggers a memory corruption condition. Attackers can leverage this flaw by hosting malicious font files on compromised websites or embedding them in documents that, when opened or viewed, automatically trigger the vulnerable driver component. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through multiple attack vectors including web browsing and file execution scenarios, making it highly versatile for threat actors. The Adobe Font Driver component is responsible for rendering font data in Windows environments, and when it encounters malformed or specially crafted font data, it fails to properly validate the input, leading to potential memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0088 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Once successfully exploited, adversaries can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user, potentially leading to full system takeover, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor establishment. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where users frequently browse the internet and open various document types, making it a prime target for sophisticated attack campaigns. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Windows versions means that organizations across different deployment scenarios face similar risks, requiring comprehensive patch management strategies. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the 'Exploitation for Code Execution' technique, specifically targeting the 'Windows Font Driver' component as a method for privilege escalation and system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0088 primarily involve immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, which address the underlying memory handling issues in the Adobe Font Driver component. Organizations should prioritize patching all affected Windows versions to prevent exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be exploited without user interaction in many scenarios. Additional defensive measures include implementing web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains, disabling automatic font rendering where possible, and employing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted font files. Network segmentation and monitoring can help detect exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that all systems have been properly updated. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining current security patches for third-party components like Adobe Font Driver, as these components often represent attack surfaces that can be leveraged for broader system compromise.