CVE-2015-1720 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2 and R2 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 crafted application, aka "Microsoft Windows Kernel Use After Free Vulnerability."
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition in Microsoft Windows kernel-mode drivers that affects multiple operating system versions including Windows Server 2003 through Windows 8.1. The flaw occurs when kernel-mode components fail to properly validate memory references after objects have been freed, creating opportunities for malicious code execution. According to CWE-416, this specific weakness involves the use of memory after it has been freed, which is a fundamental memory safety issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically impacts the kernel-mode drivers responsible for handling system resources and memory management operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires local user access to craft a malicious application that can trigger the use-after-free condition within kernel space. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing user-mode protections and gaining complete system control. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it operates at the kernel level where all system operations are processed, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks. The attack vector involves constructing a specific sequence of operations that causes the kernel driver to reference freed memory locations, which can then be manipulated to redirect execution flow or corrupt system memory.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to enterprise environments where Windows systems are deployed. The local privilege escalation capability means that attackers who have already gained user-level access can elevate their privileges to system administrator level, potentially compromising entire networks. The widespread affected platforms include both server and client operating systems, making the attack surface extremely broad. Organizations running these vulnerable systems face potential data breaches, system compromise, and persistent backdoor access that can go undetected for extended periods. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the use of local privilege escalation techniques to gain higher system privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches that address the specific kernel-mode driver issues causing the use-after-free condition. System administrators should prioritize patch management to ensure all affected Windows versions receive the necessary updates. Additional protective measures include implementing kernel-mode protection features such as Data Execution Prevention and Address Space Layout Randomization to make exploitation more difficult. Network segmentation and privilege separation can limit the potential damage if an attacker successfully exploits the vulnerability. Regular security monitoring and endpoint detection systems should be configured to identify suspicious kernel-level activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems that may be running unsupported or unpatched versions of the affected operating systems, as these remain particularly vulnerable to exploitation.