CVE-2015-2463 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, 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-2015-2464.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2463 represents a critical TrueType font parsing flaw affecting multiple Microsoft operating systems and software components. This vulnerability specifically targets the way Microsoft handles TrueType font files during rendering processes, creating a potential remote code execution vector that could be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw impacts a broad range of Microsoft products including Windows Vista through Windows 8.1, various server editions, Office applications, Lync communication tools, Silverlight runtime environments, and multiple .NET Framework versions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, where the font parsing code fails to properly validate font data structures, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously crafted TrueType font file is processed by the affected Microsoft applications. During font rendering, the vulnerable code attempts to access memory locations beyond the bounds of allocated font data structures, causing unpredictable behavior that can be manipulated to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected process. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, specifically targeting the Windows font rendering subsystem. The flaw exists in the Windows GDI+ graphics subsystem which is responsible for handling font rendering operations across the Windows platform, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise systems through seemingly benign font files.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2463 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it affects core system components that are integral to daily computing operations. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious websites that serve crafted font files. The vulnerability's broad scope means that organizations running any of the affected Microsoft products are at risk, regardless of their security posture or network segmentation. The attack surface is particularly large given that TrueType fonts are commonly encountered in office environments, web browsing, and document processing scenarios, making the exploitation vectors numerous and difficult to control. Organizations using Microsoft Office applications, Lync communication systems, or Silverlight-based applications face significant risk exposure, as these components frequently process font data from external sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2463 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the vulnerability was addressed through the Microsoft Security Bulletin MS15-051. Network administrators should implement defensive measures including email filtering to block suspicious font file attachments, web application firewalls to monitor font-related traffic, and endpoint protection solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining updated software inventories and implementing automated patch management systems to ensure all affected components receive timely security updates. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as disabling font rendering for untrusted content, using sandboxing techniques for font processing, and monitoring for unusual font-related system activity. The remediation approach should align with Microsoft's recommended security practices and include comprehensive testing of patches in controlled environments before widespread deployment to prevent potential compatibility issues with existing applications and workflows.