CVE-2015-1701

Name: CVE-2015-1701
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2015-04-21T10:59:00.073+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 56.20%

Last modified Aug 14, 2026

CVE-2015-1701 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. 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.". CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 56.20% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

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."

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

56.20%

99.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Mar 24, 2022.

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Microsoft	Windows 2003 Server	All versions	Sp2
Microsoft	Windows 2003 Server	r2	Sp2
Microsoft	Windows 7	All versions	Sp1
Microsoft	Windows Server 2008	All versions	Sp2
Microsoft	Windows Vista	All versions	Sp2

References

https://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2020/May/34Broken Link, Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://twitter.com/symantec/statuses/590208710527549440Press/Media Coverage
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/74245Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.securitytracker.com/id/1032155Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2015/ms15-051Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/37049/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/37367/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2015/04/probable_apt28_useo.htmlThird Party Advisory
https://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2020/May/34Broken Link, Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://twitter.com/symantec/statuses/590208710527549440Press/Media Coverage
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/74245Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.securitytracker.com/id/1032155Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2015/ms15-051Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/37049/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/37367/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2015/04/probable_apt28_useo.htmlThird Party Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2015-1701US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Apr 21, 2015
Last Modified: Aug 14, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2015-1701?

How severe is CVE-2015-1701?

CVE-2015-1701 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 56.20% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2015-1701?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

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Source: NVD / NIST