CVE-2015-2458 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, Windows RT Gold and 8.1, and Windows 10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted OpenType font, aka "OpenType Font Parsing Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-2459 and CVE-2015-2461.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2458 represents a critical flaw within the Windows Adobe Type Manager Library, specifically within the ATMFD.DLL component that handles OpenType font processing. This vulnerability exists across multiple Windows operating system versions including Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows RT, and Windows 10. The flaw manifests during the parsing of OpenType font files, creating an opportunity for remote code execution attacks that can compromise the affected systems. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, which occurs when the font parser fails to properly validate font data structures before processing them, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously crafted OpenType font file is processed by the Windows Adobe Type Manager Library. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the font parsing routines where the application fails to properly bounds-check font data structures before accessing memory locations. When the ATMFD.DLL component encounters malformed font data, particularly within the font table structures, it can cause buffer overflows or memory corruption that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which describes the use of malicious documents or files to gain initial access and execute code, and T1059 which covers the execution of malicious code through legitimate system processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2458 is significant as it enables attackers to achieve remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond the simple act of viewing a malicious font file. This means that attackers can compromise systems through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or even malicious websites that serve the crafted font files. The vulnerability affects the core font rendering functionality of Windows, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered during normal system operations such as browsing the web, opening email attachments, or displaying documents that contain embedded fonts. The attack surface is extensive given that OpenType fonts are commonly used across various applications and document formats, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate application of Microsoft security updates and patches that address the font parsing flaw in the Windows Adobe Type Manager Library. Organizations should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, particularly those involving font file downloads or processing. System administrators should consider disabling font rendering for untrusted sources or implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized font files. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and regular vulnerability assessments, as this flaw represents a classic example of how legacy font rendering components can contain critical security vulnerabilities that persist across multiple operating system versions. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening untrusted font files and the importance of keeping their systems updated with the latest security patches.