CVE-2015-2360 Microsoft Win32k: memory-safety flaw
In plain words: The program mishandles the memory it uses to keep track of data. A specially made input can scramble that memory. Usually lets an attacker crash the program or run their own code with its permissions.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Jun 15, 2022
What to do
- Install Microsoft's security update for Win32k. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
- Be careful with unexpected attachments — documents, .zip/.rar files and shortcuts are common bait.
- Use a normal (non-admin) account day to day and keep built-in protection like Microsoft Defender on.
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: Your files, saved passwords and accounts. Many of these let a program that is already running gain full administrator control.
The details
- Official name
- Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Win32k
- CISA description
- Win32k.sys in the kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows allows local users to gain privileges or cause denial-of-service (DoS).
- Type of flaw
- Memory-safety flaw (CWE-119)
- Confirmed exploited
- May 25, 2022
- US federal patch deadline
- Jun 15, 2022
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Answering about CVE-2015-2360 ·
Questions about CVE-2015-2360
Is CVE-2015-2360 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2015-2360 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on May 25, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2015-2360?
Install Microsoft's security update for Win32k. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
Am I affected by CVE-2015-2360?
Only if you use Microsoft Win32k. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.