CVE-2015-2508 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Adobe Type Manager Library in Microsoft Windows 10 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Font Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2508 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Microsoft Windows 10 operating systems, specifically affecting the Adobe Type Manager Library component. This vulnerability exploits the font rendering subsystem that processes font files, creating an avenue for local attackers to elevate their system privileges from standard user level to administrative rights. The issue stems from improper input validation and handling within the font driver architecture, which processes font data without adequate security checks, allowing maliciously crafted font files to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the Adobe Type Manager Library's handling of font files, particularly when these files contain malformed or specially crafted data structures. When a user opens or previews a malicious font file, the vulnerable library processes the font data without proper sanitization, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute code in the context of the SYSTEM account. This flaw operates at the kernel level within the graphics subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses standard user-mode security boundaries. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-119 as improper input validation, specifically related to memory handling issues in font processing components.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2508 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete system control once successfully exploited. Local attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install persistent backdoors, modify system files, access sensitive data, or establish covert communication channels without detection. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires no user interaction beyond opening a malicious font file, making it suitable for automated exploitation campaigns. This vulnerability affects all versions of Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016, with the attack surface expanding to include any application that processes font files through the affected library. The exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes privilege escalation through local exploitation, and demonstrates how seemingly benign components like font rendering can serve as attack vectors for system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch application through Microsoft's security updates, as the primary fix involves correcting the input validation within the Adobe Type Manager Library. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all Windows 10 systems receive timely security updates, particularly given the automated nature of exploitation. Additional defensive measures include restricting user privileges, implementing application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for unusual font processing activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in system components that handle untrusted input, particularly in graphics and font processing subsystems. Network segmentation and privileged access controls can help limit the potential damage from successful exploitation, while regular security assessments should include evaluation of font handling components within applications and operating systems to identify similar vulnerabilities.