CVE-2015-6101 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel 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 Gold and 1511 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows Kernel Memory Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-6100.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Windows kernel that affects multiple operating system versions including vista sp2 server 2008 sp2 and r2 sp1 windows 7 sp1 windows 8 windows 81 windows server 2012 gold and r2 windows rt gold and 81 and windows 10 gold and 1511. The flaw resides in how the kernel handles memory management operations and allows local attackers with standard user privileges to execute malicious code that can elevate their access level to system level privileges. The vulnerability is categorized under cwe 476 null pointer dereference and aligns with attack technique t1068 privilege escalation through kernel exploits. This memory corruption issue stems from improper validation of kernel memory operations that enables attackers to manipulate kernel data structures and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects the core kernel memory management subsystem and represents a fundamental flaw in how the operating system handles memory allocation and deallocation processes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting a malicious application that triggers a specific sequence of memory operations within the kernel space. Attackers can leverage this flaw by creating a specially designed application that exploits the kernel's memory handling routines to achieve privilege escalation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level where the highest privileges reside and allows attackers to bypass standard security mechanisms that protect against unauthorized access. The exploitation process typically involves manipulating kernel memory pointers and leveraging race conditions or buffer overflow scenarios to gain control over kernel execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under the attack pattern of kernel-mode rootkits and represents a significant threat to system integrity and confidentiality. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and memory safety practices that are fundamental to secure kernel design principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with complete system control and access to all protected resources within the compromised system. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to install malware, modify system files, access sensitive data, and establish persistent backdoors. The affected systems become vulnerable to advanced persistent threats where attackers can maintain long-term access without detection. Organizations running these vulnerable operating systems face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects both desktop and server operating systems, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where multiple systems may be running the affected versions. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat requiring immediate remediation and monitoring.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of microsoft security patches and updates that address the kernel memory management flaw. organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive timely updates and security fixes. additional protective measures include enabling exploit protection features, configuring application whitelisting policies, and implementing monitoring solutions to detect anomalous kernel activity. system administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected operating versions and prioritize patching efforts accordingly. the implementation of principle of least privilege and regular security audits can help reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. organizations should also consider deploying endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify and block malicious kernel-level activities. regular security training for administrators and users helps prevent social engineering attacks that might attempt to leverage this vulnerability through malicious software delivery mechanisms. compliance with security frameworks such as nist 800 53 and iso 27001 requires implementing these protective measures to maintain adequate security posture against known kernel vulnerabilities.