CVE-2015-2365 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 via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2024
The CVE-2015-2365 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 Windows versions including server and client operating systems from Windows Server 2003 through Windows 8.1, making it one of the most widespread privilege escalation vulnerabilities in the Windows ecosystem. The flaw resides in the Windows kernel-mode driver responsible for handling user interface components and window management functions, specifically in how it processes certain graphics and user interface operations. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of user-supplied data within the win32k.sys driver, which allows malicious applications to manipulate kernel memory structures and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
This vulnerability operates through a classic kernel-mode exploitation technique where a local attacker can craft a malicious application that triggers a specific sequence of operations within the win32k.sys driver. The flaw enables an attacker to escalate privileges from standard user level to kernel level, effectively granting them complete control over the affected system. The exploitation occurs during the processing of window management operations and graphics rendering functions, where the driver fails to properly validate input parameters before using them in kernel memory operations. This allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute malicious code with system-level privileges, bypassing standard security mechanisms such as data execution prevention and address space layout randomization. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges to exploit, making it accessible to any local user who can run applications on the target system.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2365 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass Windows security controls, install backdoors, modify system files, and potentially establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability's presence in such a wide range of Windows versions means that organizations with legacy systems or those that have not applied security updates remain highly vulnerable. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability in various attack scenarios including lateral movement within networks, establishing persistent footholds, and conducting advanced persistent threat operations. The vulnerability also has implications for cloud environments and virtualized systems where local privilege escalation can lead to broader compromise of entire infrastructure components. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability represents a valuable tool for threat actors seeking to establish system-wide control without requiring sophisticated exploitation techniques.
Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through the release of security updates that corrected the validation issues within the win32k.sys driver and implemented additional protections against similar exploitation patterns. Organizations should prioritize applying these security updates immediately to protect against exploitation attempts. Additional mitigations include implementing application whitelisting policies, disabling unnecessary user interface components, and monitoring for suspicious process behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions in kernel-mode drivers, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual privilege escalation events, as these can serve as indicators of exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for unpatched systems running affected Windows versions to ensure comprehensive protection against this and similar kernel-mode vulnerabilities.