#VU5607 Arbitrary code execution in Windows - CVE-2015-2509

Vulnerability identifier: #VU5607

Vulnerability risk: Critical

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

CVE-ID: CVE-2015-2509

CWE-ID: CWE-20

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
Windows
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor: Microsoft

Description
The vulnerability allows a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to improper handling of Media Center link (.mcl) files. A remote attacker can create a specially crafted Media Center link (.mcl) file that references malicious code, trick the victim into opening it and execute arbitrary code with privileges of the current user.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability results in system compromise.

Note: the vulnerability was being actively exploited.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows: Vista, 7, 8

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External links
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms15-100

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote authenticated user via the Internet.

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.