CVE-2015-1756 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Common Controls in Microsoft 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 user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site that is accessed with the F12 Developer Tools feature of Internet Explorer, aka "Microsoft Common Control Use After Free Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-1756 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within Microsoft Common Controls, a fundamental component of the Windows operating system that provides essential user interface elements for applications. This vulnerability specifically affects multiple versions of Windows including 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. The flaw manifests when Internet Explorer's F12 Developer Tools feature is utilized, creating a dangerous scenario where attackers can leverage crafted web content to trigger remote code execution. The vulnerability's classification as a use-after-free indicates that memory allocated to a program object is accessed after it has been freed, creating a potential exploitation vector that can be manipulated by malicious actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through Internet Explorer's developer tools functionality, which provides advanced debugging and inspection capabilities to web developers. When users access malicious websites through Internet Explorer with F12 Developer Tools enabled, the malicious code can trigger the use-after-free condition in the Common Controls library. This memory management error allows attackers to corrupt heap memory and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation. The attack vector specifically leverages the interaction between Internet Explorer's developer tools and the underlying Common Controls component, where improper memory handling allows for exploitation when processing malicious web content.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1756 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent access and potentially escalate privileges within affected systems. This vulnerability can be exploited in phishing campaigns, drive-by download scenarios, or through compromised websites that serve malicious content to unsuspecting users. The fact that it requires user interaction through the F12 Developer Tools feature does not significantly reduce the threat level, as users may inadvertently enable these tools during normal browsing activities or when troubleshooting website issues. Security researchers have classified this vulnerability as particularly concerning due to its potential for privilege escalation and the broad range of affected Windows versions, making it a prime target for advanced persistent threat actors and cybercriminals seeking to compromise enterprise networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1756 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches, which address the underlying memory management issues in the Common Controls library. Organizations should also implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious web content targeting this vulnerability. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary developer tools in production environments and implementing strict security policies for web browsing activities can reduce exploitation risk. The vulnerability's alignment with CWE-416, which addresses use-after-free conditions, and its potential mapping to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage, underscores the importance of comprehensive security controls. System administrators should also consider implementing user education programs to reduce the likelihood of users inadvertently triggering exploitation through web browsing activities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems that may not have received the necessary patches, while incident response procedures should be updated to address potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.