CVE-2015-1722 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 Bitmap Handling Use After Free Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2025
The CVE-2015-1722 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. This flaw specifically resides in the bitmap handling mechanisms within kernel drivers, creating a scenario where freed memory locations can be accessed and potentially manipulated by malicious applications. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices during bitmap object operations, allowing attackers to exploit the race condition between memory deallocation and subsequent access attempts. The issue is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level, providing potential attackers with elevated privileges that could lead to complete system compromise.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability manifests when kernel-mode drivers process bitmap objects and fail to properly validate memory references after objects have been freed. This use-after-free condition creates a predictable memory layout that attackers can leverage to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The flaw is classified under CWE-416 as a "Use After Free" vulnerability, where memory is accessed after it has been freed, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." The vulnerability requires local system access to exploit, meaning an attacker must already have user-level access to the target system, but the ultimate goal is to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with complete control over affected systems. Once exploited, adversaries can execute code with the highest system privileges, potentially leading to data exfiltration, persistence mechanisms installation, or further network reconnaissance. The widespread affected platforms including Windows Server 2003, Vista, 7, 8, and their respective server editions mean that organizations across various environments remain at risk. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where legacy systems may not have received timely updates, creating persistent attack vectors for threat actors targeting corporate networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1722 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the vendor released patches specifically addressing the kernel-mode driver memory management issues. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected systems, particularly those running older Windows versions such as Server 2003 and Vista which have reached end-of-life support. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, disabling unnecessary services, and employing robust endpoint detection and response solutions. Security teams should also monitor for exploitation attempts through log analysis and network traffic inspection, as the vulnerability typically manifests through specific kernel driver interactions. The remediation approach aligns with NIST cybersecurity framework recommendations for vulnerability management and emphasizes the importance of maintaining current security patches across all system components.