CVE-2019-1215 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability that exists in the way that ws2ifsl.sys (Winsock) handles objects in memory. This vulnerability is categorized as high severity with a CVSS score of 7.8, indicating its potential impact. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability allows attackers to execute code with elevated privileges, posing significant risks to affected systems.
The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Microsoft Windows, including Windows 10 (various builds), Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and several Windows Server versions. Organizations using these systems are at risk, and it is imperative to address this issue promptly.
As of now, the vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild, and it is important for organizations to apply the necessary patches to mitigate the associated risks. The urgency for remediation is critical, given the potential for unauthorized access and system compromise.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to protect their systems from potential exploitation. The availability of public exploit code further underscores the importance of timely remediation.
Vulnerability Details
This vulnerability allows for elevated privileges due to improper handling of objects in memory by ws2ifsl.sys (Winsock). The official CVSS score is 7.8, classified as high severity. The affected product is Microsoft Windows, with the published date of the vulnerability being September 11, 2019.
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-269, indicating an elevation of privilege. Organizations must be aware of the specific version numbers impacted, which include various versions of Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server versions.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2019-1215 lies in the way ws2ifsl.sys (Winsock) manages memory. The attack vector is local, meaning an attacker must have access to the affected system. The complexity of the attack is low, requiring minimal effort to exploit the vulnerability.
Attackers do not require any special privileges to exploit this vulnerability, and the attack does not require user interaction. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, making this a critical vulnerability to address.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access and execution of arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The blast radius can be significant, affecting multiple Windows systems across different environments. Given the CVSS score and known exploitation status, organizations must treat this vulnerability with high urgency.
Organizations should assess their systems for vulnerability exposure and prioritize patching as part of their risk management and vulnerability management programs.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | Yes |
Affected Versions
The following versions of Microsoft Windows are affected by CVE-2019-1215: Windows 10 (1507, 1607, 1703, 1709, 1803, 1809, 1903), Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and various Windows Server versions (2008, 2012, 2016, 2019). Organizations should ensure their systems are updated to address this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest security updates provided by Microsoft. For more detailed guidance, organizations can refer to the patch instructions provided by the vendor. If updates are not immediately available, temporary workarounds may include restricting access to vulnerable systems and enhancing network monitoring.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unusual behavior related to privilege escalation attempts. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected application crashes or unauthorized access attempts, should be investigated. Network signatures associated with known exploits should also be tracked.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2019-1215 highlights the importance of continuous security assessments and monitoring for vulnerabilities, particularly those that allow for privilege escalation. Organizations should learn from this incident and implement robust security measures to detect and respond to similar vulnerabilities in the future.
For further insights on vulnerability management strategies, organizations can explore resources on designing effective programs and the role of penetration testing in identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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