CVE-2015-0096 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability 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 Trojan horse DLL in the current working directory, leading to DLL loading during Windows Explorer access to the icon of a crafted shortcut, aka "DLL Planting Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2025
This vulnerability represents a classic untrusted search path flaw that exploits the way Windows handles dynamic link library loading during Explorer operations. The issue stems from Microsoft Windows operating systems 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 vulnerability manifests when Windows Explorer processes shortcut files and attempts to load icons, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation through malicious DLL placement in the current working directory.
The technical mechanism involves the Windows operating system's DLL loading behavior where it searches for required libraries in a specific order that includes the current working directory before checking system directories. When a user accesses a crafted shortcut file through Windows Explorer, the system attempts to load an icon file that may reference a malicious DLL. If a Trojan horse DLL is placed in the current working directory with the same name as a legitimate system DLL, the Windows loader will load the malicious version instead of the legitimate one, enabling code execution with the privileges of the user running Explorer.
This vulnerability operates under the CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Elements category, which specifically addresses the dangerous practice of including user-controllable paths in library search sequences. The flaw allows local users to escalate privileges by leveraging the predictable nature of Windows DLL loading order, particularly when combined with user interaction through shortcut file access. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution threat because attackers can potentially deliver malicious DLLs through various attack vectors including phishing, malicious USB drives, or compromised network shares.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a reliable method to execute arbitrary code on target systems. The attack requires local user access and user interaction through Windows Explorer, but once successful, it can result in complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Windows operating systems, making it particularly dangerous as it encompasses multiple generations of Microsoft's operating system family. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within network environments. The attack surface is broad due to the widespread use of Windows Explorer and shortcut files in daily operations.
Mitigation strategies include applying Microsoft security updates, implementing the principle of least privilege, and configuring system security policies to restrict DLL loading behavior. Organizations should enforce security measures such as disabling automatic execution of files from removable media, implementing application whitelisting, and monitoring for suspicious DLL loading patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper DLL search path management and the need for operating system vendors to implement secure coding practices that avoid predictable loading sequences. System administrators should also consider implementing security controls that restrict user access to system directories and monitor for anomalous behavior in the Windows DLL loading process, particularly when dealing with shortcut files and icon resolution operations.