CVE-2015-1724 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 Object Use After Free Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2025
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, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and their respective service packs and editions. The flaw occurs when kernel-mode drivers fail to properly validate object references, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory objects that have already been freed. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software development. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level where privilege escalation can lead to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a local attacker crafting a malicious application that triggers the use-after-free condition in kernel-mode components. When the kernel driver handles certain object operations, it may free memory associated with a kernel object while references to that memory still exist in the system. Attackers can manipulate this freed memory to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing user-mode restrictions and gaining administrative control over the target system. The vulnerability demonstrates how improper memory management in kernel drivers creates persistent security risks that can be exploited by local users without requiring network connectivity or special privileges.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to enterprise environments where local access might be obtained through various attack vectors such as phishing, social engineering, or compromised user accounts. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially enable lateral movement within networks, as attackers with kernel-level access can manipulate system processes, access sensitive data, and establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes local privilege escalation and T1547 which covers process injection techniques that attackers might employ after gaining kernel-level access. The widespread affected platforms mean organizations across multiple Windows versions require immediate attention and remediation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches that address the specific kernel-mode driver flaws. Organizations should implement comprehensive endpoint protection solutions with kernel-mode monitoring capabilities to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should identify systems running unsupported Windows versions that may be vulnerable to this and similar kernel-level threats. System hardening practices including disabling unnecessary services and restricting local user privileges can further reduce the attack surface and potential impact of exploitation attempts.