CVE-2015-1674 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel in Microsoft Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, and Windows RT Gold and 8.1 does not properly validate an unspecified address, which allows local users to bypass the KASLR protection mechanism, and consequently discover the cng.sys base address, via a crafted application, aka "Windows Kernel Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-1674 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Windows kernel implementations that specifically targets the kernel address space layout randomization protection mechanism. This weakness affects multiple Windows versions including Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, and Windows RT, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these operating systems. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of an unspecified address within the kernel's memory management subsystem, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks that can undermine fundamental security protections.
The technical flaw manifests through a specific validation failure that allows local attackers to bypass KASLR (Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization) protections which are designed to make kernel memory addresses unpredictable and difficult to target. When a crafted application executes against the vulnerable system, it can successfully discover the base address of the cng.sys kernel module, effectively undermining the security mechanism that randomizes kernel memory locations to prevent exploitation. This bypass occurs because the kernel fails to properly validate memory addresses during certain operations, allowing an attacker to infer memory layout information that would normally remain obscured.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with critical information needed for advanced exploitation techniques. By discovering the cng.sys base address, an attacker gains valuable knowledge about kernel memory layout that can be used in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This capability enables attackers to bypass multiple security mechanisms including exploit mitigation technologies and can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level and requires only local user privileges to exploit, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access to systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1674 should focus on implementing the security updates provided by Microsoft through their regular security bulletins, as these patches address the underlying validation flaw in kernel memory management. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including disabling unnecessary kernel debugging features, enforcing strict application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activity. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes local privilege escalation through kernel exploits, and relates to CWE-122 which covers buffer overflow conditions in kernel space. Network administrators should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous kernel memory access patterns and provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts.