Vulnerability identifier: #VU5382

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv3.1: 7.9 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2015-1721

CWE-ID: CWE-476

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 null pointer dereference. A local attacker can run a specially crafted program to gain administrative privileges and execute arbitrary code in kernel mode.

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

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows: Vista, 8.1 - 8.1 RT, 8, 7

Windows Server: 2003 - 2012 R2

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External links
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms15-061

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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, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.