CVE-2015-1701
CVE-2015-1701 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 2003 Server with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming it has been exploited in the wild (added 2022-03-03).
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
- CVSS v2: 7.2
- EPSS exploit prediction: 56% (99th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Yes — listed in CISA KEV (added 2022-03-03)
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2015-1831
- EU exploitation: Flagged exploited in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (since 2022-03-03)
- Affected product: Microsoft Windows 2003 Server
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
Win32k.sys in the kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2, Vista SP2, and Server 2008 SP2 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, as exploited in the wild in April 2015, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2015-1701?
- Win32k.sys in the kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2, Vista SP2, and Server 2008 SP2 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, as exploited in the wild in April 2015, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
- How severe is CVE-2015-1701?
- CVE-2015-1701 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2015-1701 being actively exploited?
- Yes. CVE-2015-1701 is on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added on 2022-03-03, which means active exploitation has been confirmed. It should be prioritised for remediation.
- What products are affected by CVE-2015-1701?
- CVE-2015-1701 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 2003 Server. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2015-1701?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Because this CVE is known to be actively exploited, treat remediation as urgent — CISA KEV typically sets a short remediation deadline.
- Does CVE-2015-1701 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2015-1701 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2015-1831. It is also flagged as exploited in the EUVD (since 2022-03-03).
- When was CVE-2015-1701 published?
- CVE-2015-1701 was published on 2015-04-21 and last updated on 2026-08-14.
References
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2020/May/34
- http://twitter.com/symantec/statuses/590208710527549440
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/74245
- http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1032155
- https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2015/ms15-051
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/37049/
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/37367/
- https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2015/04/probable_apt28_useo.html
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2015-1701
Affected products (5)
- cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_2003_server:-:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_2003_server:r2:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_7:-:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:-:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_vista:-:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
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