CVE-2015-2515 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in 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 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted toolbar object, aka "Toolbar Use After Free Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2515 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within the Windows Shell component of multiple Microsoft operating systems 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 security weakness falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-416, which specifically addresses the use of freed memory, making it a prime target for exploitation by malicious actors seeking to gain unauthorized system access. The vulnerability manifests through the Windows Shell's handling of toolbar objects, where improper memory management allows attackers to manipulate freed memory locations and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a crafted toolbar object is processed by the Windows Shell, triggering the use-after-free condition in the memory management system. This flaw enables attackers to manipulate the memory state of the shell process, potentially allowing them to redirect execution flow or inject malicious code into the system. The vulnerability's remote attack vector means that adversaries can leverage this weakness without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may interact with untrusted content through web browsers or email clients that could trigger the vulnerable code path. The Windows Shell component is fundamental to the operating system's user interface functionality, making this vulnerability particularly impactful as it can affect core system operations and user interactions.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2515 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access within affected environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within networks, making it a significant threat to enterprise security infrastructure. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Windows versions and server configurations means that organizations must implement comprehensive patch management strategies to protect their systems. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence, as attackers can use the arbitrary code execution capability to gain higher-level system access and maintain long-term presence within compromised systems. The use-after-free condition particularly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where attackers can execute malicious commands through the compromised shell process.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2515 must include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches, as the vendor released updates specifically addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should implement robust memory protection mechanisms including address space layout randomization and data execution prevention to reduce exploitation success rates. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help limit the potential impact of exploitation by preventing unauthorized toolbar objects from reaching vulnerable systems. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous shell process behavior and unusual memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of untrusted content and the importance of keeping systems updated remains crucial in defending against this class of vulnerability. The vulnerability's classification under the Windows Shell component makes it particularly important for administrators to regularly review and audit shell extensions and toolbar configurations to minimize attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify and block suspicious memory manipulation activities associated with use-after-free exploitation patterns.