CVE-2015-1671KEV · OVERDUE

Microsoft Windows Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

High · published May 13, 2015

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 7.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 98.9th percentile for exploit probability.

1590
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
7.8
EPSS
49%
Percentile
98.9
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

⚡ A crafty TrueType font could be your downfall — this vulnerability in Windows DirectWrite allows attackers to execute arbitrary code! 🔥 Think of this like receiving a package with a perfectly disguised bomb inside — it looks safe, but once opened, it can cause chaos. A single malicious font file can exploit the software, just like an unopened parcel can carry hidden dangers. If an attacker sends you this crafted font, they could take control of your system, executing any code they wish — and that could mean anything from stealing your data to completely hijacking your computer! The ramifications are absolutely devastating and reach far into sensitive information. ⚠️

Put simply

Think of this like receiving a package with a perfectly disguised bomb inside — it looks safe, but once opened, it can cause chaos. A single malicious font file can exploit the software, just like an unopened parcel can carry hidden dangers. CVE-2015-1671 allows remote attackers to exploit the Windows DirectWrite library, which is responsible for rendering text, by sending a specially crafted TrueType font, leading to arbitrary code execution when the font is processed.

What to do

If an attacker sends you this crafted font, they could take control of your system, executing any code they wish — and that could mean anything from stealing your data to completely hijacking your computer! The ramifications are absolutely devastating and reach far into sensitive information. ⚠️ To protect yourself, ensure that you update all affected software to the latest versions that patch this vulnerability. This includes .NET Framework, Microsoft Office, and Silverlight. Don't leave any doors unlocked — verify your systems are using versions 5.1.40416.00 or later. 🔒 You've got this! Follow these steps, and you’ll safeguard your systems in no time. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
7.8 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.48832 · 98.9th percentile
Published
2015-05-13T10:00Z
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
  • 13 MAY 10:00Z
    The Windows DirectWrite library, as used in Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 SP2, 3.5, 3.5.1, 4, 4.5, 4.5.1, and 4.5.2; Office 2007 SP3 and 2010 SP2; Live Meeting…
    cvelistv5