Microsoft Security Bulletin MS15-042 - Important

Vulnerability in Windows Hyper-V Could Allow Denial of Service (3047234)

Published: April 14, 2015

Version: 1.0

Executive Summary

This security update resolves a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability could allow denial of service if an authenticated attacker runs a specially crafted application in a virtual machine (VM) session. Note that the denial of service does not allow an attacker to execute code or elevate user rights on other VMs running on the Hyper-V host; however, it could cause other VMs on the host to not be manageable in Virtual Machine Manager.

This security update is rated Important for Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2012 R2. For more information, see the Affected Software section.

The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Virtual Machine Manager validates user input. For more information about the vulnerability, see the Vulnerability Information section.

For more information about this update, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 3047234.

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 8.1
Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems (3047234) Denial of Service Important None
Windows Server 2012 R2
Windows Server 2012 R2 (3047234) Denial of Service Important None
Server Core installation option
Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation) (3047234) Denial of Service Important None

Note The update is available for Windows Technical Preview and Windows Server Technical Preview. Customers running these operating systems are encouraged to apply the update, which is available via Windows Update.

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 April bulletin summary.

Vulnerability Severity Rating and Maximum Security Impact by Affected Software
Affected Software Windows Hyper-V DoS Vulnerability - CVE-2015-1647 Aggregate Severity Rating
Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems (3047234) Important Denial of Service Important
Windows Server 2012 R2
Windows Server 2012 R2 (3047234) Important Denial of Service Important
Server Core installation option
Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation) (3047234) Important Denial of Service Important

Vulnerability Information

Windows Hyper-V DoS Vulnerability - CVE-2015-1647

A denial of service vulnerability exists in Hyper-V when an authenticated attacker runs a specially crafted application in a virtual machine (VM) session. Note that the denial of service does not allow an attacker to execute code or elevate user rights on other VMs running on the Hyper-V host; however, it could cause other VMs on the host to not be manageable in Virtual Machine Manager.

The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Virtual Machine Manager validates user input.

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

Mitigating Factors

Microsoft has not identified any mitigating factors for this vulnerability.

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 (April 14, 2015): Bulletin published.

Page generated 2015-04-07 12:38Z-07:00.