CVE-2015-2546 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-2015-2518.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2546 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Windows kernel-mode driver subsystem, specifically affecting multiple versions of the microsoft windows operating system. This vulnerability resides in the win32k.sys driver which manages user interface components and graphics rendering functions within the windows kernel. The flaw enables local attackers with standard user privileges to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing the operating system's security model and allowing complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the win32k.sys driver when processing certain graphics-related API calls. Attackers can craft malicious applications that exploit memory corruption issues in the driver's handling of user-mode graphics objects, leading to arbitrary code execution in kernel context. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, though the specific implementation involves heap corruption mechanisms that allow attackers to manipulate kernel memory structures. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the kernel mode where all security restrictions are bypassed, making it a prime target for exploitation in advanced persistent threat campaigns.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2546 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected systems. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows adversaries to install malicious software, modify system files, create new user accounts, and access all data on the compromised machine. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, specifically leveraging the "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" tactic. The vulnerability's widespread impact across multiple windows versions means that organizations with legacy systems are particularly vulnerable, as the exploitation techniques remain consistent across the affected platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2546 should include immediate deployment of microsoft security patches released in the july 2015 security update bulletin. System administrators should implement the principle of least privilege, ensuring that user accounts operate with minimal necessary permissions to reduce the attack surface. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious graphics-related API calls that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how kernel-mode vulnerabilities can provide attackers with the most powerful exploitation vectors available in modern operating systems. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running affected versions of windows that may require immediate remediation through patch management processes.