CVE-2015-2430 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
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 allow attackers to bypass an application sandbox protection mechanism and perform unspecified filesystem actions via a crafted application, aka "Windows Filesystem Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw in Microsoft Windows operating systems that affects multiple versions 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 vulnerability specifically targets the application sandbox protection mechanisms that are designed to isolate applications from the underlying filesystem and system resources. When exploited, this flaw allows attackers to bypass these protective boundaries and perform unauthorized filesystem operations that should normally be restricted to privileged processes or system-level operations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-276, which addresses improper permissions and access control mechanisms, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through exploitation of system vulnerabilities. The sandbox protection mechanisms in Windows are intended to prevent applications from accessing sensitive system resources or performing operations that could compromise system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of filesystem operations within the Windows kernel and subsystems that handle application sandboxing. Attackers can craft malicious applications that exploit specific code paths in the filesystem handling routines, allowing them to escalate privileges from standard user level to system level access. This occurs through manipulation of filesystem access controls, potentially leveraging improper validation of file handles, directory traversal sequences, or other filesystem interaction mechanisms that should normally be restricted. The vulnerability essentially creates a pathway for unprivileged code to perform operations that require elevated permissions, effectively undermining the fundamental security model that separates user applications from system-critical resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations running affected Windows versions. Successful exploitation enables attackers to gain system-level privileges, which can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Once elevated, attackers can modify system files, install malicious software, access confidential information, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects both desktop and server environments, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise networks where Windows Server 2008 and 2012 systems are commonly deployed. Organizations with legacy systems running these affected versions face significant risk as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or drive-by downloads, making it a high-priority target for threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the vendor has released specific patches addressing this issue. System administrators should prioritize patching all affected Windows versions, particularly server environments and systems handling sensitive data. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict application whitelisting policies, enabling Windows Defender Application Control, and monitoring for unusual filesystem access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential damage from successful exploitation, while regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous filesystem operations consistent with the exploitation patterns associated with this vulnerability, and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential compromise scenarios.