CVE-2015-1701: Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Vulnerability summary
CVE-2015-1701 is a high (CVSS 7.8) vulnerability in Microsoft Win32k. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 03-03-2022. It has been used in ransomware campaigns. EPSS estimates a 55.92% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 99% of scored vulnerabilities. 3 public exploits are recorded.
Timeline
- 21-04-2015PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
- 03-03-2022Added to CISA KEVMicrosoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- 24-03-2022CISA remediation dueApply updates per vendor instructions.
- 14-08-2026Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.
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."
CVSS metrics
3 scores · 2 sources · 2 versions- NVDNIST7.8HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS trend
Probability
55.92%
Chance of exploitation in the next 30 days
Percentile
99%
Versus all other CVEs
30-day change
-0.28 pp
From 56.20% on 19-09-2026
Known exploited
Compare KEV catalogs
CISA KEVListed- Added
- 03-03-2022
- Federal due date
- 24-03-2022
CISA required action
Apply updates per vendor instructions. nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2015-1701
Public exploits
3 foundMicrosoft Windows - ClientCopyImage Win32k (MS15-051) (Metasploit)
Maturity: weaponized
Microsoft Windows - Local Privilege Escalation (MS15-051)
Maturity: weaponized
Windows ClientCopyImage Win32k Exploit
exploit/windows/local/ms15_051_client_copy_image
Maturity: poc
Weaknesses
CWE · root causeNo weakness data has been published for this record.
Affected systems
Microsoft4 products
- windows_2003_serverna | r2:sp2
- windows_7na
- windows_server_2008na
- windows_vistana
1 vendor · 4 products
References
9 links
docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2015/ms15-051Vendor AdvisoryX Refsource MSPatch- www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2015/04/probable_apt28_useo.htmlX Refsource MISCThird Party Advisory
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2020/May/34Mailing ListX Refsource FULLDISCBroken LinkThird Party Advisory
- www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2015-1701Government ResourceUS Government Resource