CVE-2015-1645 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 SP1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Enhanced Metafile (EMF) image, aka "EMF Processing Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1645 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Microsoft Windows operating systems that affects multiple versions including Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 SP1. This vulnerability specifically targets the Enhanced Metafile (EMF) image processing functionality within the Windows graphics subsystem, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw resides in how Windows handles EMF image files, which are commonly used for vector graphics and are frequently encountered in various applications and web content, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through multiple attack vectors including web browsing, email attachments, and file downloads.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the Windows graphics rendering engine when processing crafted EMF files. When a malicious EMF image is processed by the system, the flawed memory management routines fail to properly validate the structure and content of the image data, leading to buffer overflows and memory corruption conditions. This memory corruption can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite critical memory locations and inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the affected application or system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which represents a classic and well-understood attack vector that has been documented in numerous security advisories and exploit frameworks. The attack typically involves crafting a specially designed EMF file that contains malicious data structures which, when processed by the Windows graphics subsystem, trigger the exploitable conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1645 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a powerful foothold for further compromise within affected networks. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges that can be leveraged to install malware, establish persistence mechanisms, or escalate privileges to system-level access. The widespread adoption of affected Windows versions makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors, as it provides access to a large potential target base. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, and file sharing scenarios, making it difficult for organizations to fully protect against. Organizations running these older Windows versions face significant risk exposure, as they often lack the modern security features and patch management capabilities that would otherwise provide protection against such exploits. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation typically involves executing malicious code through legitimate system processes and interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1645 should focus on both immediate protective measures and long-term remediation approaches. Microsoft has released security updates and patches specifically addressing this vulnerability through their regular security bulletins, and organizations should prioritize applying these patches to all affected systems. Network-based protections can include implementing web filtering solutions that block access to known malicious EMF content and configuring email security appliances to scan and quarantine suspicious attachments. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of untrusted image processing applications and disable unnecessary graphics rendering capabilities. System hardening measures such as disabling automatic execution of EMF files, implementing strict file type validation, and employing memory protection mechanisms like DEP and ASLR can significantly reduce the exploitability of this vulnerability. Given the age of the affected operating systems, organizations should also consider migrating to supported Windows versions that include enhanced security features and ongoing security updates. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the risks associated with running legacy operating systems that no longer receive security support from vendors.