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Microsoft Security Bulletin MS15-051 - Important

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Vulnerabilities in Windows Kernel-Mode Drivers Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (3057191)

Published: May 12, 2015 | Updated: May 27, 2015

Version: 2.0

Executive Summary

This security update resolves vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows. The more severe of these vulnerabilities could allow elevation of privilege if an attacker logs on locally and runs arbitrary code in kernel mode. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. An attacker must have valid logon credentials and be able to log on locally to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability cannot be exploited remotely or by anonymous users.

This security update is rated Important for all supported editions of Windows. For more information, see the Affected Software section.

The security update addresses the vulnerabilities by correcting how the kernel-mode driver handles objects in memory. For more information about these vulnerabilities, see the Vulnerability Information section.

For more information about this update, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 3057191.

Affected Software

The following software versions or editions are affected. Versions or editions that are not listed are either past their support life cycle or are not affected. To determine the support life cycle for your software version or edition, see Microsoft Support Lifecycle.

Operating System Maximum Security Impact Aggregate Severity Rating Updates Replaced
Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2 (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows Vista
Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows Server 2008
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2 (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows 7
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows 8 and Windows 8.1
Windows 8 for 32-bit Systems (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows 8 for x64-based Systems (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows 8.1 for 32-bit Systems (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2
Windows Server 2012 (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows Server 2012 R2 (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows RT and Windows RT 8.1
Windows RT[1](3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows RT 8.1[1](3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Server Core installation option
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation) (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation) (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023
Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation) (3045171) Elevation of Privilege Important 3034344 in MS15-023

[1]This update is available via Windows Update only.

Update FAQ

Why are some of the update files listed in this bulletin also denoted in other bulletins being released in May?
Several of the update files listed in this bulletin are also denoted in other bulletins being released in May due to overlaps in affected software. Although the different bulletins address separate security vulnerabilities, the security updates have been consolidated where possible and appropriate. Therefore some identical update files are present in multiple bulletins.

Note that identical update files being released with multiple bulletins do not need to be installed more than once.

Severity Ratings and Vulnerability Identifiers

The following severity ratings assume the potential maximum impact of the vulnerability. For information regarding the likelihood, within 30 days of this security bulletin's release, of the exploitability of the vulnerability in relation to its severity rating and security impact, please see the Exploitability Index in the May bulletin summary.

Vulnerability Severity Rating and Maximum Security Impact by Affected Software
Affected Software Microsoft Windows Kernel Memory Disclosure Vulnerability - CVE-2015-1676 Microsoft Windows Kernel Memory Disclosure Vulnerability - CVE-2015-1677 Microsoft Windows Kernel Memory Disclosure Vulnerability - CVE-2015-1678 Microsoft Windows Kernel Memory Disclosure Vulnerability - CVE-2015-1679 Microsoft Windows Kernel Memory Disclosure Vulnerability - CVE-2015-1680 Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability - CVE-2015-1701 Aggregate Severity Rating
Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Elevation of Privilege Important
Windows Server 2003 R2 Service Pack 2 (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Elevation of Privilege Important
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2 (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Elevation of Privilege Important
Windows Server 2003 R2 x64 Edition Service Pack 2 (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Elevation of Privilege Important
Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Elevation of Privilege Important
Windows Vista
Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Elevation of Privilege Important
Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Elevation of Privilege Important
Windows Server 2008
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Elevation of Privilege Important
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Elevation of Privilege Important
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2 (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Elevation of Privilege Important
Windows 7
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Elevation of Privilege Important
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Elevation of Privilege Important
Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure None Important
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure None Important
Windows 8 and Windows 8.1
Windows 8 for 32-bit Systems (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure None Important
Windows 8 for x64-based Systems (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure None Important
Windows 8.1 for 32-bit Systems (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure None Important
Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure None Important
Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2
Windows Server 2012 (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure None Important
Windows Server 2012 R2 (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure None Important
Windows RT and Windows RT 8.1
Windows RT (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure None Important
Windows RT 8.1 (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure None Important
Server Core installation option
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Elevation of Privilege Important
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Elevation of Privilege Important
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation) (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure None Important
Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation) (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure None Important
Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation) (3045171) Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure Important  Information Disclosure None Important

 

Vulnerability Information

Multiple Microsoft Windows Kernel Memory Disclosure Vulnerabilities

Information disclosure vulnerabilities exist when the Windows kernel-mode driver leaks private address information during a function call, which could allow the disclosure of kernel memory contents revealing information about the system to an attacker. The information disclosure vulnerabilities by themselves do not allow arbitrary code execution. However, an attacker could use them in conjunction with another vulnerability to bypass security features, such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR). The security update addresses the vulnerabilities by correcting how the kernel-mode driver handles objects in memory.

Microsoft received information about these vulnerabilities through coordinated vulnerability disclosure. When this security bulletin was issued, Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that these vulnerabilities had been publicly used to attack customers.

The following table contains links to the standard entry for each vulnerability in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list:

Vulnerability title CVE number Publicly disclosed Exploited
Microsoft Windows Kernel Memory Disclosure Vulnerability CVE-2015-1676 No No
Microsoft Windows Kernel Memory Disclosure Vulnerability CVE-2015-1677 No No
Microsoft Windows Kernel Memory Disclosure Vulnerability CVE-2015-1678 No No
Microsoft Windows Kernel Memory Disclosure Vulnerability CVE-2015-1679 No No
Microsoft Windows Kernel Memory Disclosure Vulnerability CVE-2015-1680 No No

Mitigating Factors

Microsoft has not identified any mitigating factors for this vulnerability.

Workarounds

Microsoft has not identified any workarounds for this vulnerability.

Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability - CVE-2015-1701

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Win32k.sys kernel-mode driver improperly handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code in kernel mode. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. The update addresses this vulnerability by correcting how the Windows kernel-mode driver handles objects in memory.

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system. An attacker could then run a specially crafted application that could exploit the vulnerability and take complete control over an affected system.

This vulnerability has been publicly disclosed. When this security bulletin was issued, Microsoft was aware of limited, targeted attacks that attempt to exploit this vulnerability.

Mitigating Factors

The following mitigating factors may be helpful in your situation:

  • An attacker must have valid logon credentials and be able to log on locally to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability could not be exploited remotely or by anonymous users.

Workarounds

Microsoft has not identified any workarounds for this vulnerability.

Security Update Deployment

For Security Update Deployment information, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base article referenced in the Executive Summary.

Acknowledgments

Microsoft recognizes the efforts of those in the security community who help us protect customers through coordinated vulnerability disclosure. See Acknowledgments for more information.

Disclaimer

The information provided in the Microsoft Knowledge Base is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Microsoft disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, loss of business profits or special damages, even if Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages so the foregoing limitation may not apply.

Revisions

  • V1.0 (May 12, 2015): Bulletin published.
  • V2.0 (May 27, 2015): Bulletin revised to announce the availability of a new update (3065979) that fixes a known issue that some customers experienced after installing the 3045171 security update on all supported editions of Windows 7/Windows 2008 R2 and earlier systems. The 3045171 security update causes customer applications to crash while attempting to create text-outline-based path objects using GDI+. Customers who are experiencing this known issue can correct the problem by installing the 3065979 update. See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 3065979 for more information and download links.

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