CVE-2015-1701
HighExploitedPublic exploitWin32k.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."
Published Apr 21, 2015 · Updated Aug 14, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2015-1701 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Windows 2003 Server (Microsoft), Windows 7 (Microsoft), Windows Server 2008 (Microsoft) and 1 more product.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 18, 2015 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 56% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
56%
Higher than 99.0% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings, used by ransomware
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2015-1701 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
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."
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 3, 2022 | Mar 24, 2022 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Apr 18, 2015 | Mar 24, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 3, 2022 | Mar 24, 2022 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 3, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
5 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 2003 ServerMicrosoft | r2-sp2 | n/a |
| Windows 7Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows Server 2008Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows VistaMicrosoft | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Apr 18, 2015
Publicly disclosed
Apr 21, 2015
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 3, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 3, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 3, 2022
Last updated
Aug 14, 2026
References
- advisory20200514 KL-001-2020-002 : Cellebrite Restricted Desktop Escape and Escalation of User Privilege
- advisoryVulnCheck exploitation report
- advisory74245
- advisory1032155
- patchMS15-051
FAQ
Common Questions.
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."
Affected: Windows 2003 Server (Microsoft) versions r2-sp2; Windows 7 (Microsoft); Windows Server 2008 (Microsoft), among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 18, 2015 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Mar 3, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Mar 24, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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