Used in attacks· fix by 2022-04-058.2HighUsed by ransomware gangs

Microsoft Win32k

CVE-2015-2546

The kernel-mode driver in Microsoft Windows OS and Server allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application.

What this means for your business

  • It affects Microsoft Win32k. It matters if your company, or a supplier that handles your data, runs it.
  • Attackers are already using it. CISA added it to its list of flaws used in real attacks on 15 March 2022.
  • Ransomware gangs are known to have used it.
  • An attacker can use it only with access to the machine itself, with an ordinary user login, but only after tricking someone into an action such as opening a file or a link.
  • FIRST's prediction model gives it a 10% chance of attack attempts being seen in the next 30 days, ranking above 95% of all known flaws.

What to do

  1. 1Check whether your company or your suppliers run Microsoft Win32k, and which version. The affected versions are listed further down this page.
  2. 2If you do, apply the vendor's fix. A patch or vendor advisory has been published.
  3. 3Treat it as urgent. US federal agencies must fix it by 5 April 2022. That deadline does not apply to private companies, but it shows how seriously CISA takes it.
  4. 4Because attackers have used it, check the affected systems for signs of a break-in, not only for the update.

Not sure if your company is exposed?

Fastnexa’s certified penetration testers can check whether attackers could use this flaw, or others like it, against your websites, apps and network. The full test is free for our first 10 founding clients until 31 December 2026.

Required action

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

CISA’s wording, unedited.

Scoring

CVSS
8.2 (v3.1)
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
Weakness
CWE-119
Assigned by
secure@microsoft.com

Dates

Published
2022-03-15
Last modified
2026-08-14
Added to KEV
2022-03-15
Remediation due
2022-04-05
Sources
CISA KEV, NVD

Affected products

  • Microsoft Windows 10 1507all versions
  • Microsoft Windows 7all versions
  • Microsoft Windows 8all versions
  • Microsoft Windows 8.1all versions
  • Microsoft Windows Rtall versions
  • Microsoft Windows Rt 8.1all versions
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2008all versions, r2
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2012all versions, r2
  • Microsoft Windows Vistaall versions

As listed in the NVD configuration data. Not a statement about your estate.

References