CVE-2015-2456 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, Windows RT Gold and 8.1, Windows 10, Office 2007 SP3 and 2010 SP2, Live Meeting 2007 Console, Lync 2010, Lync 2010 Attendee, Lync 2013 SP1, Lync Basic 2013 SP1, Silverlight before 5.1.40728, and .NET Framework 3.0 SP2, 3.5, 3.5.1, 4, 4.5, 4.5.1, 4.5.2, and 4.6 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted TrueType font, aka "TrueType Font Parsing Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-2455.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2025
The CVE-2015-2456 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft's TrueType font parsing implementation that affects multiple operating systems and software frameworks across the Windows ecosystem. This vulnerability specifically targets the way Microsoft handles TrueType font files during rendering processes, creating a potential exploitation vector for remote code execution attacks. The flaw exists within the core font processing libraries that are fundamental to Windows graphical user interfaces and application rendering capabilities, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread use of font files in digital environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation and handling of malformed TrueType font structures during parsing operations. When a maliciously crafted TrueType font file is processed by affected systems, the parsing routine fails to properly validate input parameters, leading to memory corruption conditions that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The flaw demonstrates classic buffer overflow characteristics where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and control program execution flow.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2456 extends across numerous Microsoft products and platforms, creating widespread exposure for organizations that rely on affected software versions. The vulnerability affects not only core operating systems but also Microsoft Office applications, Lync communication platforms, Silverlight runtime environments, and various .NET Framework versions, amplifying the potential attack surface significantly. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through multiple vectors including email attachments, web downloads, and network-based attacks, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users frequently interact with untrusted content. The vulnerability's presence in both client and server operating systems creates additional risk for network infrastructure components that rely on font rendering capabilities.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework's execution tactics, particularly focusing on the use of malicious files and scripts to achieve initial compromise. The vulnerability enables adversaries to perform privilege escalation and lateral movement within networks by leveraging the font parsing capabilities of affected systems. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling font rendering for untrusted content, applying security patches from Microsoft, and configuring application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of malicious font files. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in font handling libraries, emphasizing the need for comprehensive input validation and bounds checking mechanisms that align with industry security standards and best practices for preventing similar flaws in future implementations.
Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security updates released in their regular patch Tuesday cycles, requiring organizations to maintain up-to-date security patches across all affected systems. The remediation process involves applying specific security updates that modify the font parsing routines to properly validate input parameters and prevent memory corruption conditions. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected software versions and prioritize patch deployment to minimize exposure windows. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining secure software development practices and the need for continuous security monitoring to detect and respond to similar threats that may emerge in complex software ecosystems.