External risk intelligence

Microsoft Font Driver Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2015-2387

A memory corruption vulnerability in the Adobe Type Manager Font Driver affects various Microsoft Windows operating systems, allowing local users to gain elevated privileges by running a crafted application. This poses a business risk by enabling unauthorized access and control over sensitive data and systems. organiza

1Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Microsoft Windows 7

r2

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2015-2387

The vulnerability exists in a local Windows font driver (ATMFD.DLL). Exploitation requires a local user to execute a crafted application on the system. It is not reachable via network protocols or public-facing internet services.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The Adobe Type Manager Font Driver in Microsoft Windows operating systems contains a memory corruption vulnerability. This flaw allows local users to escalate privileges by executing a crafted application. Such an escalation could lead to unauthorized access and modification of sensitive data or system functions.

  • Vulnerable font driver component
  • Memory corruption weakness
  • Privilege escalation impact

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an attacker to escalate privileges on a system. The attack vector requires an attacker to have already gained some level of access to the affected system. Once on the system, the attacker can execute a specially crafted application. This action exploits a flaw in the Adobe Type Manager Font Driver to gain elevated permissions.

  • Local access required.
  • Attacker runs crafted application.
  • Result: Privilege escalation.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow a local user to gain elevated privileges on affected Windows systems by executing a specially crafted application. This privilege escalation could enable an attacker to gain greater control over the system, potentially leading to further compromise of data and business operations. The direct impact is on the affected systems and the potential for unauthorized access.

  • Attackers with local access.
  • Requires local execution of crafted application.
  • High business risk, treat as urgent.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability impacts organizations by allowing local users to elevate privileges on affected Windows systems. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access and control over sensitive data or critical business systems. Attackers with initial access could leverage this to escalate their privileges, posing a significant business risk.

  • Identify all systems running the affected Windows versions.
  • Limit user privileges and restrict unauthorized application execution.
  • Apply vendor updates and monitor for suspicious activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Microsoft ATM Font Driver vulnerability (CVE-2015-2387)?

This vulnerability exists in the Adobe Type Manager Font Driver (ATMFD.DLL) within multiple Microsoft Windows versions, enabling local users to elevate privileges by running a specially crafted application.

What weakness class does CVE-2015-2387 fall into?

CVE-2015-2387 is classified as a memory corruption vulnerability, specifically CWE-787, where an attacker writes data beyond intended buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting critical system information to gain elevated privileges.

How is CVE-2015-2387 exploited?

Exploitation requires local access to the affected system. An attacker must execute a specially crafted application that triggers a flaw in the Adobe Type Manager Font Driver to achieve privilege escalation.

What is the relevance of CVE-2015-2387?

This vulnerability allows local users to gain elevated privileges on affected Windows systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control over sensitive data or critical business systems.

What should be done to address CVE-2015-2387?

Organizations should identify all affected Windows systems, limit user privileges, restrict unauthorized application execution, and apply vendor updates to mitigate the risk of privilege escalation.

References