CVE-2015-2432 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
ATMFD.DLL in the Windows Adobe Type Manager Library 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 remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted OpenType font, aka "OpenType Font Parsing Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2432 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the Windows Adobe Type Manager Library component, specifically within the ATMFD.DLL module. This flaw exists in multiple Windows operating systems including Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, and Windows RT. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation during the parsing of OpenType font files, which are commonly used for typography rendering across Windows platforms. When a maliciously crafted OpenType font is processed by the affected system, the flawed parsing logic allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of font parsing routines within the Windows Adobe Type Manager Library, which is responsible for handling font rendering operations across the operating system. The flaw manifests as a heap-based buffer overflow, where attacker-controlled data exceeds the bounds of allocated memory buffers, allowing for memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute malicious code. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through legitimate font processing operations that occur during normal system usage, including when fonts are displayed in user interfaces, printed documents, or processed through web browsers. The attack vector is remote, meaning that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability without requiring physical access to the target system, making it a significant threat in enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious fonts through email attachments, web downloads, or network shares.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2432 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects core Windows components that are integral to the operating system's functionality, making it particularly attractive to attackers seeking persistent access to target systems. From an enterprise security perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk because it can be exploited through various attack surfaces including email, web browsing, and file sharing scenarios. The affected systems are particularly vulnerable since the Adobe Type Manager Library is widely used across Windows applications and services, providing multiple potential entry points for attackers. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and script interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, demonstrating how this vulnerability can be leveraged to achieve broader system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2432 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures to reduce risk exposure. Microsoft released security updates that addressed this vulnerability through patches for all affected Windows versions, requiring system administrators to apply these updates promptly to prevent exploitation. Organizations should implement network segmentation and application whitelisting policies to limit font processing capabilities and prevent automatic font rendering from untrusted sources. Additional defensive measures include configuring web browsers to disable automatic font loading from external sources, implementing email filtering solutions to block suspicious font attachments, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potentially vulnerable systems. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing comprehensive endpoint protection solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual network connections or process behaviors that may indicate exploitation attempts, and maintain detailed incident response procedures to address potential compromises.