CVE-2015-1680 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-2015-1679.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-1680 represents a critical flaw in Microsoft Windows kernel-mode drivers that specifically targets the Address Space Layout Randomization security mechanism. This vulnerability allows local attackers to bypass ASLR protection, which is a fundamental security feature designed to randomize memory layout addresses to prevent exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities. The affected systems include a broad range of Microsoft Windows operating systems spanning from Windows Server 2003 through Windows 8.1, making this a widespread and significant security concern that impacts enterprise environments and individual users alike.
The technical flaw manifests through a crafted function call that exploits weaknesses in how kernel-mode drivers handle memory management and address resolution. This particular vulnerability operates at the kernel level, where it can manipulate memory addresses to disclose information about the kernel's memory layout. The flaw specifically affects the kernel-mode drivers that are responsible for handling system calls and memory management operations, allowing attackers to gain knowledge of memory addresses that would normally be randomized and unpredictable. According to CWE-200, this vulnerability directly relates to information exposure, where sensitive information about system memory layout is disclosed to unauthorized users. The vulnerability operates as a memory disclosure issue that provides attackers with the information needed to bypass ASLR protections that are meant to prevent exploitation of other memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1680 is severe and multifaceted, as it enables attackers to defeat one of the most important exploit mitigations available in modern operating systems. When ASLR is bypassed, attackers can more effectively exploit other vulnerabilities that may exist in the same systems, as they now have knowledge of memory addresses that would otherwise be randomized. This vulnerability particularly impacts enterprise environments where Windows systems are deployed, as it provides a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to systems. The vulnerability is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as a privilege escalation technique, specifically targeting the 'Windows Kernel' component and utilizing 'Memory Disclosure' as an enabling tactic. This makes it particularly dangerous because it can be used as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks that leverage other vulnerabilities present in the same systems.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying Microsoft security updates and patches that address the kernel-mode driver flaws. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected Windows systems to ensure the ASLR protections remain effective. Additionally, implementing additional security measures such as disabling unnecessary kernel drivers, applying additional exploit mitigations, and monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns can help reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and highlights the critical nature of kernel-level security mechanisms in protecting against sophisticated attack vectors that target fundamental system protections.