CVE-2015-1679 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 allow local users to bypass the ASLR protection mechanism via a crafted function call, aka "Microsoft Windows Kernel Memory Disclosure Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-1676, CVE-2015-1677, CVE-2015-1678, and CVE-2015-1680.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-1679 represents a critical flaw in Microsoft Windows kernel-mode drivers that specifically targets the Address Space Layout Randomization protection mechanism. This weakness allows local attackers to bypass ASLR, a fundamental security feature designed to randomize memory addresses and prevent exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Microsoft operating systems including Windows Server 2003 through Windows 8.1, making it particularly concerning given the extensive deployment of these systems in enterprise environments. The issue stems from improper handling of function calls within kernel drivers that inadvertently reveals memory layout information to local users.
The technical flaw manifests through crafted function calls that manipulate kernel-mode driver behavior to disclose memory addresses that would normally be randomized by ASLR. This memory disclosure occurs within kernel space where the operating system maintains privileged access to system resources. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, meaning that successful exploitation requires local system access but provides attackers with critical information needed to bypass security protections. The flaw specifically affects the memory management subsystem where kernel drivers process function calls, allowing attackers to extract information about memory layout that would otherwise be protected by ASLR mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-264, which describes permissions, privileges, and access control issues in kernel-mode components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it undermines the effectiveness of ASLR, which is a crucial defense-in-depth mechanism against memory corruption attacks. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gather information about memory addresses to craft more sophisticated attacks against other system components. The disclosure of kernel memory layout information makes subsequent exploitation attempts more likely to succeed, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities. Local users who can leverage this flaw gain the ability to bypass important security protections that would normally prevent successful exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities. This vulnerability enables attackers to conduct more targeted attacks against system processes, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1679 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. Microsoft released security updates that address this vulnerability through kernel-mode driver modifications that prevent the improper function call handling. Organizations should prioritize applying these patches across all affected systems, particularly those running older Windows versions such as Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as disabling unnecessary kernel drivers and monitoring for suspicious function calls. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date systems and following security best practices, as it operates at the kernel level where traditional user-mode protections are ineffective. Security monitoring should focus on identifying potential exploitation attempts and unusual memory access patterns that might indicate an active attack. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes local privilege escalation through kernel exploits, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter usage for exploitation purposes.