CVE-2015-2433 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel 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, Windows RT Gold and 8.1, and Windows 10 allows local users to bypass the ASLR protection mechanism via a crafted application, aka "Kernel ASLR Bypass Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2025
The CVE-2015-2433 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Windows kernel implementations that fundamentally undermines address space layout randomization protections. This vulnerability affects a broad spectrum of Windows operating systems including Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT Gold and 8.1, and Windows 10. The flaw specifically targets the kernel's memory management mechanisms, allowing attackers to predict memory layout patterns that should otherwise be randomized for security purposes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a crafted application that leverages specific kernel behaviors to enumerate or predict memory addresses that are typically randomized by ASLR. This bypass mechanism operates at the kernel level where the operating system's memory management subsystem fails to properly randomize critical memory regions, particularly those associated with kernel data structures and function pointers. The vulnerability stems from insufficient entropy in the kernel's memory allocation routines, which can be exploited by local attackers to determine the base addresses of kernel modules and critical system components. This represents a direct violation of fundamental security principles that ASLR is designed to enforce.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for system integrity and confidentiality as it allows local attackers to bypass one of the primary defenses against exploitation techniques such as return-oriented programming and function pointer hijacking. Attackers can leverage this bypass to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it undermines the security posture of entire Windows ecosystems, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple vulnerable systems may exist. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no network connectivity and can be exploited through local execution, making it difficult to detect and mitigate in production environments.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2433 primarily involve applying Microsoft security updates and patches that address the kernel memory management flaws. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant Windows updates that correct the ASLR implementation in kernel space. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as enabling additional exploit protection features, configuring kernel address space layout randomization more rigorously, and monitoring for suspicious local execution patterns. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-1004 which addresses insecure coding practices in kernel memory management and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential exploitation vectors, particularly in environments where untrusted local users may exist. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and proper system hardening practices to prevent exploitation of kernel-level security mechanisms.