CVE-2015-2465 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Windows shell 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 does not properly constrain impersonation levels, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows Shell Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2465 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Windows operating systems that affects multiple versions 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. This issue resides within the Windows shell component and specifically pertains to improper handling of impersonation levels, creating a security feature bypass that enables local attackers to escalate their privileges. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level and exploits fundamental security mechanisms that control how processes can impersonate other users or security contexts, making it particularly dangerous for systems where local access is possible.
The technical flaw manifests when the Windows shell fails to properly constrain impersonation levels during application execution, allowing malicious applications to manipulate the security context under which they operate. This occurs because the system does not adequately validate or enforce the boundaries of impersonation levels, enabling a local user to craft a specially designed application that can elevate privileges beyond what would normally be permitted. The vulnerability specifically affects the way Windows handles security contexts when processing shell commands and application launches, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation attacks. Attackers can exploit this by creating applications that leverage the shell's insufficient validation mechanisms to gain higher privileges than intended.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations as it allows local attackers to escalate their privileges without requiring network access or complex attack vectors. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full system compromise, as the elevated privileges can be used to install malicious software, modify system files, access sensitive data, or establish persistence mechanisms. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-269, which describes improper privilege management, and demonstrates how inadequate security feature implementation can create pathways for unauthorized access. The attack requires only local system access, making it particularly concerning for environments where physical or remote access controls may be insufficient.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2465 primarily focus on applying Microsoft's security patches and updates as soon as they become available, since this vulnerability was addressed through Windows security updates released in 2015. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive timely updates, particularly in environments where local access controls are not strictly enforced. Additional defensive measures include implementing least privilege principles, monitoring for suspicious process execution patterns, and utilizing application whitelisting solutions to prevent unauthorized applications from running. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security context management and demonstrates how the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques can be leveraged through shell-level security bypasses. System administrators should also consider implementing security monitoring solutions that can detect unusual impersonation activities or privilege escalation attempts that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.