#VU5611 Privilege escalation in Windows and Windows Server - CVE-2015-1769

Vulnerability identifier: #VU5611

Vulnerability risk: Medium

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:Green]

CVE-ID: CVE-2015-1769

CWE-ID: CWE-59

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

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 gain elevated privileges on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to improper processing of symbolic links by Mount Manager. By inserting a specially crafted USB device into the system, an attacker can create arbitrary files and execute malicious code with SYSTEM privileges.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in arbitrary code execution on the vulnerable system.

Note: the vulnerability was being actively exploited.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows: Vista, 7, 8 - 8.1, 10

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

---

External links
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms15-085

---

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?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.