CVE-2015-2507 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The 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 local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Font Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-2512.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2507 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Adobe Type Manager Library component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically affects a wide range of Windows 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 resides in how the system handles font rendering operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-119 as a buffer overflow condition that occurs when processing specially crafted font files, making it particularly dangerous for exploitation in targeted attack scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Adobe Type Manager Library's improper handling of font data structures during rendering operations. When a malicious application presents a specially crafted font file to the system, the library fails to properly validate input parameters, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute code in kernel mode. This allows local attackers with standard user privileges to escalate their access rights to SYSTEM level privileges, effectively bypassing operating system security controls. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation flaw that operates through the Windows font subsystem, specifically targeting the Adobe Type Manager DLL components that handle font processing for applications and the operating system itself. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves the exploitation of legitimate system processes to gain elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with a reliable method to achieve system compromise without requiring sophisticated attack vectors or user interaction beyond executing a malicious application. Once exploited, the vulnerability enables complete system control, allowing attackers to install malware, modify system files, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The widespread affected platforms mean that organizations running any of the listed Windows versions are potentially vulnerable, making this a high-priority remediation target for enterprise security teams. The vulnerability's nature as a local privilege escalation means that attackers need only to gain access to a user account on the target system to potentially achieve complete system compromise, significantly reducing the attack surface required for successful exploitation. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability operates independently from CVE-2015-2512, indicating that multiple font-related vulnerabilities existed within the same component family. The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK tactic T1059 which involves the use of system utilities and legitimate programs to execute malicious code, making it particularly challenging to detect through traditional security monitoring approaches. Organizations should implement immediate patching procedures and consider network segmentation to limit potential exploitation opportunities while monitoring for signs of attempted exploitation through unusual font processing activities or privilege escalation events.