Armis Vulnerability Intelligence Database

Description Preview

The Mount Manager component in various versions of Microsoft Windows, including Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT Gold and 8.1, and Windows 10, does not properly handle symbolic links (symlinks). This vulnerability could be exploited by physically proximate attackers by connecting a specially crafted USB device. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially leading to privilege escalation.

Overview

This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2015-1769, affects various versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems due to the mishandling of symlinks by the Mount Manager component. Attackers in physical proximity to the target system could exploit this vulnerability by connecting a malicious USB device, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code and elevation of privileges.

Remediation

To mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2015-1769, Microsoft has released security updates addressing this vulnerability. Users and administrators are advised to apply the necessary security patches provided by Microsoft to ensure the protection of their systems. Additionally, it is recommended to exercise caution when connecting external devices to systems, especially in untrusted environments, to prevent potential exploitation of this vulnerability.

References

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS15-085: Link
SecurityTracker Advisory ID 1033244: Link
Blog post on defending against CVE-2015-1769: Link

Early Warning

Armis Early Warning customers received an advanced alert on this vulnerability.

Armis Alert Date: Aug 12, 2015
CISA KEV Date: May 25, 2022

2478days early

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Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Health Care & Social Assistance
Health Care & Social Assistance
Transportation & Warehousing
Transportation & Warehousing
Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
Finance and Insurance
Finance and Insurance
Management of Companies & Enterprises
Management of Companies & Enterprises
Utilities
Utilities
Educational Services
Educational Services
Information
Information
Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
Other Services (except Public Administration)
Other Services (except Public Administration)
Public Administration
Public Administration
Wholesale Trade
Wholesale Trade
Accommodation & Food Services
Accommodation & Food Services
Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
Construction
Construction
Mining
Mining
Real Estate Rental & Leasing
Real Estate Rental & Leasing
Retail Trade
Retail Trade

^{CVE-2015-1769:}Mount Manager in Microsoft Windows mishandles symlinks, allowing physically proximate attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted USB device (CVE-2015-1769).