CVE-2015-0094 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
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 do not properly restrict the availability of address information during a function call, which makes it easier for local users to bypass the ASLR protection mechanism via a crafted application, aka "Microsoft Windows Kernel Memory Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0094 represents a critical weakness in Microsoft Windows kernel-mode drivers that fundamentally undermines the operating system's memory protection mechanisms. This flaw exists within the core kernel components that manage system resources and memory allocation, specifically affecting a wide range of Windows versions from server environments to client operating systems. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of address information during function calls, creating a pathway for malicious actors to extract memory addresses that should remain hidden from user-space applications. This memory disclosure issue directly targets the Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) protection mechanism, which is a fundamental security feature designed to randomize memory addresses and make exploitation of other vulnerabilities more difficult.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows local attackers to craft specific applications that can probe kernel memory locations and extract information about memory layouts, particularly focusing on the base addresses of system components and libraries. This occurs during normal function call operations where the kernel fails to properly restrict access to memory address information that would normally be protected from user-mode processes. The flaw essentially creates a information disclosure channel that reveals the memory layout of the kernel, which can be leveraged to defeat ASLR protections. According to CWE-200, this vulnerability maps directly to information exposure issues where sensitive data about system memory structures is inadvertently made available to unauthorized processes. The attack vector requires local system access and does not involve network-based exploitation, making it particularly concerning for environments where privilege escalation is already possible through other means.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0094 is significant as it provides attackers with crucial information needed to bypass security mechanisms that protect against more serious exploits. When combined with other vulnerabilities, this memory disclosure can enable sophisticated attacks such as return-oriented programming (ROP) chains and other exploit techniques that require knowledge of memory addresses. The vulnerability affects systems running Windows Server 2003 through Windows 8.1, representing a broad attack surface across multiple generations of Microsoft operating systems. This makes it particularly dangerous as organizations with legacy systems or those that have not fully updated their environments remain vulnerable. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves local privilege escalation through exploitation of system vulnerabilities, and specifically targets the memory protection capabilities that are essential for maintaining system security boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on applying Microsoft security updates and patches that address the kernel memory handling issues. System administrators should prioritize patching all affected Windows versions, as the vulnerability affects multiple operating system families and can be exploited by local users with minimal privileges. Additionally, implementing additional security controls such as disabling unnecessary services, applying kernel patch protection mechanisms, and monitoring for unusual memory access patterns can help reduce the risk. Organizations should also consider implementing process isolation techniques and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper kernel memory management and highlights the critical need for robust privilege separation between user-mode and kernel-mode operations. Microsoft's security response to this vulnerability included comprehensive patches that addressed the specific memory disclosure mechanisms, and organizations should ensure they maintain up-to-date security baselines that include these remediations to prevent exploitation of this and related memory corruption vulnerabilities.