CVE-2019-1215 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that ws2ifsl.sys (Winsock) handles objects in memory, aka 'Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-1253, CVE-2019-1278, CVE-2019-1303.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-1215 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Windows operating system's networking stack, specifically within the ws2ifsl.sys driver component. This driver serves as a crucial interface between the Windows Socket API and the underlying network interface layers, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate their privileges within a compromised system. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory objects within the Winsock subsystem, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute code with elevated privileges typically reserved for system-level processes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a memory corruption issue within the ws2ifsl.sys driver that processes network-related operations. When the driver handles certain network objects in memory, it fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters, leading to potential buffer overflows or arbitrary memory writes. This flaw allows attackers to manipulate the driver's memory handling routines and potentially execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the core networking infrastructure of Windows, meaning that successful exploitation could provide attackers with complete control over the affected system. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in the design of memory management within kernel-mode drivers, specifically categorized under CWE-121 for buffer overflow conditions.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can serve as a foundational exploit for more sophisticated attack chains. Attackers who successfully leverage CVE-2019-1215 can potentially establish persistent access to compromised systems, escalate their privileges to SYSTEM level, and then move laterally through network environments. The vulnerability's presence in ws2ifsl.sys means that any network-based attack vector could potentially trigger the exploit, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where network access is common. The flaw's relationship to other CVEs such as CVE-2019-1253, CVE-2019-1278, and CVE-2019-1303 demonstrates a pattern of memory corruption issues within Windows networking components, suggesting that attackers may be developing coordinated exploitation strategies against multiple related vulnerabilities.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including applying Microsoft's security patches and updates as soon as they become available, monitoring for suspicious network activity that could indicate exploitation attempts, and implementing network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation,' indicates that defensive measures should focus on monitoring kernel-mode activity and implementing privilege separation controls. Organizations should also consider deploying advanced threat detection solutions that can identify anomalous behavior patterns in network stack operations, as the exploitation of this vulnerability typically involves manipulating network interface drivers to achieve privilege escalation. Additionally, the use of exploit protection features such as Control Flow Guard and Address Space Layout Randomization can provide additional layers of defense against potential exploitation attempts.