CVE-2015-2518 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel-mode driver 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 "Win32k Memory Corruption Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-2511, CVE-2015-2517, and CVE-2015-2546.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2518 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Windows kernel-mode driver subsystem, specifically affecting multiple versions of the windows operating system from vista through windows 10. This vulnerability resides in the win32k.sys driver which manages graphical user interface components and handles user-mode to kernel-mode transitions. The flaw manifests as a memory corruption issue that can be exploited by local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially allowing them to gain SYSTEM-level access to affected systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the win32k.sys driver when processing certain graphical operations. Attackers can craft malicious applications that trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption conditions in kernel space, leading to privilege escalation. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at kernel level where the attacker's code executes with the highest privileges available, effectively bypassing standard user access controls and security boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2518 is significant as it allows local users with basic account privileges to escalate their access to SYSTEM level, which provides complete control over the affected system. This includes the ability to install malware, modify system files, access all user data, and potentially establish persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects a wide range of windows versions making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple operating system versions may coexist. Organizations running affected systems are at risk of complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within their networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of microsoft security updates and patches released in response to this CVE. System administrators should prioritize patching all affected windows versions and implement additional security controls such as enabling user access control (uac) and restricting local account privileges. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies. Organizations should also consider monitoring for suspicious kernel-mode activity and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent exploitation attempts. Given the nature of kernel-level vulnerabilities, the most effective mitigation remains timely patch management as outlined in the microsoft security response process and aligned with industry best practices for vulnerability remediation.