External risk intelligence

Windows Kernel Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2015-6175

Local users can gain elevated privileges on affected Windows systems by running a crafted application. This presents a risk of unauthorized system access and control. Organizations should consider applying vendor updates to mitigate this threat.

1Halo Surface Signal

Microsoft Windows 10 1507

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2015-6175

The vulnerability exists within the Windows kernel and requires local access to execute a crafted application to achieve privilege escalation. It is not reachable via the public internet.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Microsoft Windows 10 systems contain a vulnerability within the kernel. This flaw permits local users to elevate their privileges by executing a specially crafted application. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access and control over affected systems.

  • Windows kernel
  • Privilege escalation flaw
  • Unauthorized system access

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows local users to escalate their privileges within the Windows kernel. An attacker can exploit this by running a specially crafted application on an affected system. Successful exploitation grants the attacker elevated control over the operating system.

  • Requires local system access.
  • Attacker runs a crafted application.
  • Attacker gains elevated control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability impacts the Windows kernel, allowing local users to elevate their privileges through a specially crafted application. The potential for privilege escalation presents a significant business risk, as it could allow unauthorized access to sensitive system functions and data. Organizations should consider this a serious threat requiring prompt attention.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: Local access, user interaction
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability impacts the Windows kernel, potentially allowing local users to escalate privileges through a crafted application. Organizations should prioritize identifying and mitigating this risk to prevent unauthorized access and control over affected systems. The primary focus is on protecting systems and data from unauthorized modifications or disclosure.

  • Find assets running the affected Windows version.
  • Isolate vulnerable systems from the network.
  • Apply vendor updates and verify implementation.
  • Monitor for related unauthorized activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the nature of the CVE-2015-6175 vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 version 1507?

CVE-2015-6175 is a privilege escalation vulnerability within the kernel of Microsoft Windows 10 version 1507. This flaw allows local users to gain higher privileges on the system by executing a specially crafted application.

How is the CVE-2015-6175 vulnerability triggered?

An attacker with local access to a vulnerable system can exploit CVE-2015-6175 by running a crafted application. This application leverages the weakness in the Windows kernel to elevate the attacker's privileges.

What kind of weakness does CVE-2015-6175 represent?

CVE-2015-6175 is classified as an elevation of privilege vulnerability. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to gain administrator-level or higher control over the affected system.

What is the relevance of CVE-2015-6175 in relation to Halo Surface Signal?

Halo classifies CVE-2015-6175 as 'Very unlikely' to be exploited externally because the vulnerability requires local access and is not reachable via the public internet.

What actions should be taken to address the Windows kernel vulnerability CVE-2015-6175?

Organizations should prioritize identifying systems running the affected Windows version, isolate vulnerable machines, and apply vendor-provided updates. Verifying the successful implementation of these updates is crucial. Monitoring for any related unauthorized activity is also recommended.

References