CVE-2015-2525 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Task Scheduler 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 bypass intended filesystem restrictions and delete arbitrary files via unspecified vectors, aka "Windows Task File Deletion Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2525 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Microsoft Windows Task Scheduler components across multiple operating system versions. This issue affects 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, creating a widespread security concern that spans several generations of Microsoft operating systems. The vulnerability allows local attackers to bypass intended filesystem restrictions and delete arbitrary files, fundamentally undermining the security model of these systems.
The technical flaw stems from improper access control mechanisms within the Task Scheduler service implementation. When a local user executes malicious tasks or manipulates existing scheduled tasks, the system fails to properly validate file deletion operations against the intended security boundaries. This weakness creates an elevation of privilege scenario where unprivileged users can perform operations that should be restricted to administrators or system processes. The vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors that likely involve manipulation of task scheduler configurations, file permissions, or registry entries that control task execution and file access. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-276, which describes improper file permissions, and CWE-264, which covers permissions, privileges, and access controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2525 extends beyond simple file deletion capabilities, as it provides attackers with the ability to compromise system integrity and potentially escalate privileges to administrative levels. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can remove critical system files, corrupt task scheduler configurations, or manipulate other security-relevant components that depend on proper file access controls. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level where local users typically have limited privileges, yet can achieve elevated access through task scheduler manipulation. The attack vector is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where multiple users share systems, as it could enable attackers to persist in compromised systems or prepare for further exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems through Microsoft security updates, as the primary fix addresses the underlying access control implementation in Task Scheduler. Organizations should implement the principle of least privilege for user accounts, particularly limiting local administrative rights where possible. System administrators should conduct thorough security audits of scheduled tasks and remove unnecessary or potentially malicious tasks from the system. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect suspicious task scheduler activities or unauthorized file deletion operations. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1053 which covers scheduled task/job manipulation, and T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through system binary manipulation, making it a critical target for both preventive and detective security controls.