CVE-2015-2364 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The graphics component 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 that leverages an incorrect bitmap conversion, aka "Graphics Component EOP Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2364 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the graphics component of multiple Microsoft Windows operating systems spanning from Windows Server 2003 through Windows 8.1. This vulnerability specifically affects systems running 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. The flaw stems from an improper handling of bitmap conversion processes within the graphics subsystem, creating a pathway for local attackers to elevate their privileges from standard user level to system level access.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the graphics component's failure to properly validate bitmap data during conversion operations. When a malicious application attempts to process a specially crafted bitmap file, the graphics subsystem executes code that bypasses normal security checks and privilege boundaries. This flaw operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a weakness related to improper input validation and memory corruption, specifically categorized under CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability exploits the graphics processing pipeline where bitmap data is converted from one format to another, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious code that executes with elevated privileges.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations as it requires only local system access to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may have legitimate access to systems but should not possess administrative privileges. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The impact extends beyond individual machines as compromised systems can serve as launching points for lateral movement within networks, particularly in environments where users may have access to multiple systems through shared accounts or legitimate administrative access. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves the exploitation of legitimate system access for privilege escalation.
The exploitation of CVE-2015-2364 typically involves crafting a malicious bitmap file that triggers the vulnerable graphics conversion path when processed by the affected Windows systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a wide range of Windows versions, including both client and server operating systems, making it a prime target for widespread exploitation. Organizations should note that this vulnerability was patched through Microsoft's regular security updates, with the fix being included in the July 2015 security bulletin. However, the vulnerability's long lifespan and broad impact make it a significant concern for systems that have not received timely security updates or are running unsupported operating systems. The remediation process requires deployment of Microsoft's security patches, which should be prioritized across all affected systems to prevent exploitation attempts.