CVE-2015-2387 is a high-severity vulnerability that affects Microsoft Windows operating systems, particularly those utilizing the ATMFD.DLL component of the Adobe Type Manager Font Driver. This vulnerability allows local users to gain privileges through a specially crafted application. With a CVSS score of 7.8, the threat posed by this vulnerability is significant, and organizations should prioritize addressing it within their security protocols.
The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized privilege escalation, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated permissions. Given the local attack vector with low complexity and no user interaction required, the urgency to patch this vulnerability is critical. Organizations running affected versions of Windows should take immediate action to secure their systems.
The vulnerability was first published on July 14, 2015, and remains relevant due to its potential impact on multiple versions of Windows, including Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and various editions of Windows Server. The last modification to the CVE record was made on April 22, 2026, indicating ongoing relevance in security discussions.
Organizations are advised to prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. The availability of updates and guidance from Microsoft should be leveraged to ensure systems are secured against potential exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
The official description states that "ATMFD.DLL in the Adobe Type Manager Font Driver in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, and Windows RT Gold and 8.1 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka 'ATMFD.DLL Memory Corruption Vulnerability.'"
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), which indicates an issue related to memory corruption.
The CVSS version 3.1 score for this vulnerability is 7.8, categorized as high severity. The attack vector is local, requiring low complexity and only low privileges for exploitation, with no user interaction needed. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, underscoring the severity of this vulnerability.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2015-2387 is a memory corruption issue within the ATMFD.DLL component of the Adobe Type Manager Font Driver. This vulnerability can be exploited locally, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The attack complexity is low, requiring minimal skill to exploit. Privileges required for exploitation are also low, allowing any local user to take advantage of this vulnerability without the need for sophisticated tactics.
No user interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in a multi-user environment. Given the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, organizations should assess their exposure and implement necessary security measures.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes the potential for unauthorized access and control over affected systems, leading to severe operational disruptions and data breaches. The vulnerability's local nature means that an attacker must have access to the physical machine or network environment, but once exploited, they can escalate privileges significantly.
The blast radius is substantial, affecting multiple Windows operating systems across a wide range of environments, including servers and personal computers. Organizations should be particularly vigilant if they are running outdated versions of Windows that remain unpatched.
With a CVSS score of 7.8, organizations must treat this vulnerability with high urgency. Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to reduce the risk of exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerable versions include:
1. Windows 7 SP1
2. Windows 8
3. Windows 8.1
4. Windows RT
5. Windows Server 2003 SP2
6. Windows Server 2008 SP2
7. Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1
8. Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2
9. Windows Vista SP2
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply updates per vendor instructions as soon as possible. The relevant Microsoft Security Bulletin is MS15-077 which provides patches for the affected systems.
In addition to patching, organizations should implement configuration hardening and consider network controls to limit access to vulnerable systems. Continual monitoring for signs of exploitation and internal audits of system configurations are recommended.
If immediate patching is not feasible, organizations may consider applying workarounds to mitigate the risk temporarily until a permanent fix can be implemented.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor logs for unusual access patterns, particularly from local accounts. Behavioral anomalies indicating privilege escalation attempts should be flagged for further investigation.
Network signatures should be established to identify any malicious traffic targeting vulnerable systems. Regular reviews of system configurations and user account activities will further strengthen detection capabilities.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2015-2387 lies in its representation of systemic vulnerabilities in widely used software components. It highlights the necessity for organizations to maintain updated systems and to apply patches promptly.
This vulnerability serves as a reminder that even legacy systems can present substantial risks if not adequately managed. Security teams should leverage this incident as a learning opportunity to improve overall security posture and incident response strategies.
For further guidance on managing vulnerabilities, organizations should consider reviewing best practices for vulnerability management programs and conducting regular penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.
Moreover, organizations should stay informed about emerging threats and trends in cybersecurity to adjust their defenses accordingly.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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