CVE-2015-2360 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
win32k.sys 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 or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The CVE-2015-2360 vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the win32k.sys kernel-mode driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability affects a broad range of Microsoft products including Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, and Windows RT versions. The issue stems from improper handling of user-mode input within the kernel-mode graphics subsystem, creating a pathway for malicious applications to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the win32k.sys driver which manages windowing system functionality and graphics operations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate their privileges from standard user level to system level access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a crafted application that manipulates the win32k.sys driver during graphics rendering operations. When a malicious application submits specially crafted input to the graphics subsystem, the kernel-mode driver fails to properly validate or sanitize this input, leading to memory corruption within the kernel space. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively allowing local attackers to bypass standard security controls and gain system-level access. The vulnerability is classified as a kernel-mode heap-based buffer overflow according to CWE-121, which represents a critical weakness in memory management within operating system components. The flaw exists in the graphics subsystem's handling of windowing messages and graphics operations, specifically when processing certain GDI (Graphics Device Interface) calls that are processed in kernel mode.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2360 is severe and far-reaching, as it enables local privilege escalation attacks that can completely compromise affected systems. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain SYSTEM-level privileges without requiring authentication, allowing them to install malware, modify system files, disable security features, and access sensitive data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal user interaction - a malicious application simply needs to be executed by an authenticated user, and the privilege escalation occurs automatically during normal graphics operations. This makes the vulnerability highly attractive to attackers who may already have limited access to a system through other means. The potential for denial of service scenarios also exists, as memory corruption can cause system crashes and instability, potentially leading to persistent system downtime and service disruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2360 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. Microsoft released security update MS15-034 that addresses this vulnerability by correcting the input validation issues within the win32k.sys driver. Organizations should prioritize applying this patch across all affected systems, particularly those running older Windows versions such as Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista. Additionally, implementing security controls such as user access restrictions, application whitelisting, and monitoring for suspicious graphics-related processes can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and represents a classic example of how kernel-mode vulnerabilities can be leveraged for system compromise. Network segmentation and privilege separation practices can further reduce the attack surface, while regular security assessments and monitoring for anomalous system behavior can help identify potential exploitation attempts before they succeed in gaining system-level access.