#VU5139 Privilege escalation in Windows and Windows Server - CVE-2014-1807

Vulnerability identifier: #VU5139

Vulnerability risk: Critical

CVSSv4.0: 8.5 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:A/U:Red]

CVE-ID: CVE-2014-1807

CWE-ID: CWE-264

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
Windows
Operating systems & Components / Operating system
Windows Server
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor: Microsoft

Description
The vulnerability allows a local attacker to obtain elevated privileges on the target system.

The weakness exists due to improper use of the ShellExecute API function. A local attacker can run a specially crafted application within the context of the Local System account and gain elevated privileges.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability results in privilege escalation on the vulnerable system.

Note: the vulnerability was being actively exploited.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows: RT, Vista, 7, 8 - 8.1

Windows Server: 2003, 2008 R2 - 2008, 2012 R2 - 2012

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External links
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms14-027

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, a fully functional exploit for this vulnerability is available.