CVE-2014-4148KEV · OVERDUE

Microsoft Windows Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

High · published October 15, 2014

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 8.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 99.1th percentile for exploit probability.

1590
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
8.8
EPSS
60%
Percentile
99.1
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 A sneaky attack hides in a crafted font file! This TrueType Font vulnerability in win32k.sys can let remote attackers execute arbitrary code on various Windows versions — and it’s already been exploited in the wild! ⚡ Think of it like inviting someone into your home based on a beautifully designed invitation. If that invitation comes with a hidden agenda, they could wreak havoc inside! This flaw lets attackers slip in through a seemingly innocent font file, just like that sneaky guest. An attacker could run malicious code on your system, potentially gaining full control over it. This could mean accessing sensitive data, modifying crucial files, or even turning your machine into a bot for further attacks. The consequences could be absolutely devastating!

Put simply

Think of it like inviting someone into your home based on a beautifully designed invitation. If that invitation comes with a hidden agenda, they could wreak havoc inside! This flaw lets attackers slip in through a seemingly innocent font file, just like that sneaky guest. This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the way Windows handles TrueType fonts in the kernel-mode driver, enabling them to execute arbitrary code when a user opens a crafted font file.

What to do

An attacker could run malicious code on your system, potentially gaining full control over it. This could mean accessing sensitive data, modifying crucial files, or even turning your machine into a bot for further attacks. The consequences could be absolutely devastating! Immediate action is crucial! Patch your systems with the latest updates from Microsoft. Ensure you're on at least Windows 7 SP1 or later, and consider deploying an application whitelist to prevent unauthorized code executions. Don't delay! You've got this! Follow these steps, and you'll be on your way to locking down your systems. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
8.8 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.59850 · 99.1th percentile
Published
2014-10-15T10:00Z
KEV added
2022-05-25 · due 2022-06-15
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 25 MAY 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Jun 15
    kev
  • 15 OCT 10:00Z
    win32k.sys in the kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8…
    cvelistv5