CVE-2015-0085 is a vulnerability in the Microsoft Windows operating system that allows remote code execution. Specifically, it affects the handling of specially crafted packets by the Windows HTTP.sys driver, which is responsible for processing HTTP requests. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, potentially taking control of the affected system.
The vulnerability was first reported to Microsoft on March 6, 2015, and a patch was released on April 14, 2015, as part of Microsoft's monthly security updates. However, in the time between the initial report and the release of the patch, attackers had already begun exploiting the vulnerability in the wild. The exploit was used in several high-profile attacks, including one against the US government's Office of Personnel Management, which resulted in the theft of sensitive personal data belonging to millions of individuals.
To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2015-0085 and similar vulnerabilities, it is crucial that organizations keep their systems up-to-date with the latest security patches and adopt a proactive approach to network security. This includes implementing intrusion detection and prevention systems, restricting network access to only necessary services, and regularly reviewing logs for signs of suspicious activity. Additionally, user education and awareness programs can help prevent successful exploitation of vulnerabilities by raising awareness of common attack vectors and best practices for safe computing.