Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation
CVE-2015-1701 is a high-severity vulnerability in Windows 2003 Server from Microsoft, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected Windows 2003 Server versions: r2. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on March 3, 2022, which means attacks have been observed in the wild, including in ransomware campaigns.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Check which version of Windows 2003 Server you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- Read the advisory on docs.microsoft.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | Windows 2003 Server | r2 | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows 7 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2008 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Windows Vista | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 7.2 | High | NVD |
Official description
Win32k.sys in the kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2, Vista SP2, and Server 2008 SP2 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, as exploited in the wild in April 2015, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2015/04/probable_apt28_useo.htmlThird Party Advisory
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2015-1701US Government Resource
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- exploit-db.com/exploits/37049/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- exploit-db.com/exploits/37367/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Other references
- twitter.com/symantec/statuses/590208710527549440Press/Media Coverage
Other vulnerabilities in Windows 2003 Server
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.3 High severity
- 9.3 High severity
Microsoft DirectX NULL Byte Overwrite Exploited
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