External risk intelligence

Microsoft Windows Font Driver Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2015-2426

A vulnerability in the Windows Adobe Type Manager Library allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted OpenType font. This could lead to system compromise and data breaches. Affected systems include various versions of Microsoft Windows.

2Halo Surface Signal

Memory Corruption

Microsoft Windows 10

r2

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2015-2426

The vulnerability affects the Windows Adobe Type Manager Library during the processing of crafted OpenType fonts. It is not a directly exposed service or internet-facing application. Exploitation requires user interaction to render malicious content, such as opening a document or viewing a web page, making direct public-internet exposure of the vulnerable component uncommon.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The Windows Adobe Type Manager Library contains a flaw that can be exploited through specially crafted OpenType fonts. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The potential impact includes unauthorized code execution, which can lead to broader system compromise and data breaches.

  • Vulnerable: Windows Adobe Type Manager Library
  • Flaw: Improper handling of OpenType fonts
  • Impact: Arbitrary code execution on systems

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

The Windows Adobe Type Manager Library contains a buffer underflow vulnerability that can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code. This occurs when the library improperly handles specially crafted OpenType fonts. Organizations could face risks if their systems process these malicious fonts.

  • Exposure condition: Network access to a vulnerable system.
  • Attacker starting point: Unauthenticated.
  • Trigger and result: User interaction with a crafted font leads to code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations due to its potential for remote code execution. Attackers could leverage this by tricking users into opening specially crafted font files, potentially leading to the compromise of systems and sensitive data. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely signifies a high impact on business operations and security posture.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low.
  • Required access or conditions: User interaction to open a font.
  • Business risk or urgency: High.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on affected systems by providing a specially crafted OpenType font. The attack vector involves tricking a user into opening a document or viewing content containing such a font. This could lead to the compromise of systems and potential data breaches.

  • Find affected assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Windows Adobe Type Manager Library and its function?

The Windows Adobe Type Manager Library is a system component that manages and displays fonts, including the OpenType format. It enables various applications on your operating system to render and use different font types.

What is CVE-2015-2426 and its weakness type?

CVE-2015-2426 is a buffer underflow vulnerability (CWE-119). This flaw means the library mishandles specially crafted OpenType fonts, allowing data to be written outside its intended memory space.

How can CVE-2015-2426 be exploited?

Exploitation occurs when a user interacts with a specially crafted OpenType font. This interaction can trigger the buffer underflow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the affected system.

What is the relevance of the Windows Adobe Type Manager Library vulnerability?

This vulnerability is relevant because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted OpenType font. This could lead to system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.

What steps should be taken to address this vulnerability?

To address this, identify affected systems, reduce exposure by isolating risk, apply vendor-provided fixes, verify the remediation, and implement ongoing monitoring.

References