Microsoft Windows Registry CVE-2015-2429 Remote Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Description

Microsoft Windows is prone to a remote privilege-escalation vulnerability. An attacker can exploit this issue to gain elevated privileges within the context of the currently logged-in user.

Technologies Affected

• Microsoft Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems SP1
• Microsoft Windows 7 for x64-based Systems SP1
• Microsoft Windows 8 for 32-bit Systems
• Microsoft Windows 8 for x64-based Systems
• Microsoft Windows 8.1 for 32-bit Systems
• Microsoft Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems
• Microsoft Windows RT 8.1
• Microsoft Windows RT
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems SP1
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems SP1
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems SP2
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems SP2
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems SP2
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2
• Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 2
• Microsoft Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Recommendations

Block external access at the network boundary, unless external parties require service.
Filter access to the affected computer at the network boundary if global access isn’t needed. Restricting access to only trusted computers and networks might greatly reduce the likelihood of a successful exploit.

Run all software as a nonprivileged user with minimal access rights.
To reduce the impact of latent vulnerabilities, always run nonadministrative software as an unprivileged user with minimal access rights.

Deploy network intrusion detection systems to monitor network traffic for malicious activity.
Deploy NIDS to monitor network traffic for signs of anomalous or suspicious activity such as unexplained incoming and outgoing traffic. This may indicate exploit attempts or activity that results from successful exploits.

Do not accept or execute files from untrusted or unknown sources.
To reduce the likelihood of successful exploits, never handle files that originate from unfamiliar or untrusted sources.

Implement multiple authentication mechanisms.
Provide an additional layer of authentication for sensitive or privileged information.

Updates are available. Please see the references or vendor advisory for more information.