CVE-2015-1723 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 Station Use After Free Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2025
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, Vista, Windows 7, and various server editions. The flaw occurs within the Windows Station subsystem which manages graphical user interface elements and window station objects, creating a scenario where freed memory locations can be accessed and manipulated by malicious code. The vulnerability specifically impacts the handling of window station objects during process creation and resource management operations, allowing attackers to exploit the improper memory deallocation and subsequent reuse patterns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of user-supplied data within kernel-mode driver code that manages window station objects. When a malicious application creates and manipulates window station objects, it can trigger a race condition or improper memory management that leads to a use-after-free scenario. This occurs because the kernel driver fails to properly validate the state of window station objects before allowing access to memory that has already been freed, enabling attackers to control the memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as a use-after-free condition in kernel-mode components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows local privilege escalation from standard user level to kernel level privileges, providing attackers with complete system control. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with the highest system privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The attack requires only local system access and can be exploited by any user account on the target system, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or when users have legitimate access to systems. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and defense evasion tactics.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include applying the relevant Microsoft security updates and patches that address the specific memory management issues in the Windows Station subsystem. System administrators should prioritize immediate patch deployment across all affected Windows versions, particularly in enterprise environments where the risk of exploitation is highest. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, disabling unnecessary graphical services, and monitoring for suspicious process creation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of kernel-mode memory safety practices and proper input validation in system drivers, making it a critical example of why operating system vendors must maintain rigorous security testing and validation processes for kernel components. Organizations should also consider implementing memory protection mechanisms such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts.