CVE-2015-2460 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 .NET Framework 3.0 SP2, 3.5, 3.5.1, 4, 4.5, 4.5.1, 4.5.2, and 4.6 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 • 05/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2460 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 system versions 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 is particularly concerning as it affects the .NET Framework versions 3.0 SP2 through 4.6, making it a widespread issue across numerous Microsoft platforms. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation during the parsing of OpenType font files, which are commonly used for typography rendering across Windows systems.
The technical mechanism of exploitation involves a crafted malicious OpenType font file that triggers a buffer overflow condition when processed by the vulnerable ATMFD.DLL component. This occurs during font parsing operations where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, though it manifests in heap memory management due to the nature of the Adobe Type Manager library implementation. The flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim's current session, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2460 is severe and multifaceted across enterprise environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including email attachments, malicious websites, or compromised applications that render fonts. The vulnerability's exploitation can occur without user interaction in many scenarios, particularly when fonts are automatically rendered by applications or web browsers. This makes it particularly dangerous in corporate environments where users may encounter malicious fonts through legitimate business processes. The vulnerability affects both desktop and server operating systems, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access or escalate privileges to system-level access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2460 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches addressing the vulnerability in ATMFD.DLL and related components. Organizations should implement application whitelisting policies to restrict font processing to trusted sources and consider disabling automatic font rendering in web browsers and email clients where possible. Network segmentation and monitoring can help detect potential exploitation attempts through unusual font processing activities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Scripting and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, making it a significant concern for threat hunters monitoring for lateral movement and privilege escalation activities. Security teams should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous font processing behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts.