Privilege escalation in Microsoft Windows

1) Privilege escalation

EUVDB-ID: #VU5611

Risk: Medium

CVSSv3.1: 7.5 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:H/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2015-1769

CWE-ID: CWE-59 - Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')

Exploit availability: No

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: 7 - Vista

Windows Server: 2008 - 2012 R2

External links

http://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.