CVE-2015-6104 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Adobe Type Manager Library 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 remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted embedded font, aka "Windows Graphics Memory Remote Code Execution Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-6103.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-6104 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Adobe Type Manager Library component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically affects a wide range of Windows versions 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 Gold and 1511. The flaw resides in how the system processes embedded fonts, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability operates through a crafted embedded font file that, when processed by the Adobe Type Manager Library, triggers a memory corruption condition that can be exploited remotely. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it does not require user interaction beyond the simple act of viewing or processing the malicious font file, making it highly dangerous in phishing campaigns or malicious website scenarios.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the Adobe Type Manager Library implementation. When Windows processes an embedded font file, the library fails to properly validate the font data structure, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application. This flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of memory safety issues in graphical rendering components. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level through the graphics subsystem, allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges and potentially compromise the entire system. The exploitation mechanism typically involves crafting a malicious font file with malformed data that causes the library to write beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially leading to code execution in the context of the Windows Graphics Device Interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6104 is severe and far-reaching across enterprise environments where Windows systems are prevalent. Organizations running affected Windows versions face significant risk of unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and system compromise without any user intervention. The vulnerability's remote exploit capability means that attackers can target systems through web browsing, email attachments, or malicious websites without requiring physical access or user interaction beyond normal system operation. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to cybercriminals and nation-state actors who seek to establish persistent access to target networks. The widespread presence of affected Windows versions across corporate environments amplifies the potential impact, as many organizations may have legacy systems that are difficult to patch immediately, creating extended attack windows for threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6104 should focus on immediate patch deployment as provided by Microsoft through Security Update Bulletin MS15-102. Organizations must prioritize patching all affected Windows systems to prevent exploitation, particularly those running older versions like Windows Vista and Server 2008 that may not receive extended support. Network administrators should implement defensive measures including web filtering, email scanning, and monitoring for suspicious font file attachments or embedded fonts in web content. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework as a remote code execution technique through graphics processing highlights the need for comprehensive endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block malicious font processing behavior. Additionally, system hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary font processing capabilities, implementing application whitelisting, and monitoring for unusual graphics memory allocation patterns can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and privilege separation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation.