Microsoft Windows Adobe Type Manager Library (atmfd.dll) Buffer Underflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2015-2426)
Executive & SecOps Summary
SECOPS ASSESSMENTWindows Vista SP2, 7 SP1, 8, 8.1, RT, and Windows Server 2008/2012
Remote attackers can execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges by tricking users into rendering a specially crafted OpenType font
Apply the official Microsoft MS15-078 security patch immediately, or disable the Adobe Type Manager Font Driver (atmfd.dll) as a temporary workaround
Affected Products & Version Scope
Remediation & Live Workaround Commands
PATCH & WORKAROUND1. Official Patch & Version Upgrade Commands
Apply the official MS15-078 security update to resolve the vulnerability.
# Install the specific KB update via PowerShell (requires PSWindowsUpdate module)
Install-WindowsUpdate -KBArticleID KB3079904 -AcceptAll -AutoReboot2. Temporary Workaround & Hardening Configuration
If patching cannot be performed immediately, disable the Adobe Type Manager Font Driver (atmfd.dll) via the registry to mitigate the attack vector.
# Disable ATMFD in the Windows Registry
New-ItemProperty -Path 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows' -Name 'DisableATMFD' -Value 1 -PropertyType DWORD -Force
# Reboot the system to apply changes
Restart-Computer -Force3. Log Audit & IoC Verification Commands
Verify the version of atmfd.dll on the system to ensure the patch has been successfully applied.
# Check the file version of atmfd.dll
$sysPath = [System.IO.Path]::Combine($env:SystemRoot, 'System32\atmfd.dll')
if (Test-Path $sysPath) {
$fileVersion = (Get-Item $sysPath).VersionInfo.FileVersion
Write-Host 'Current atmfd.dll Version:' $fileVersion
} else {
Write-Host 'atmfd.dll is not present or disabled.'
}Block Kernel Privilege Escalation & Ransomware Payloads Before You Can Reboot
Protect unpatched Windows, Linux, and macOS workloads against in-memory exploitation and lateral movement with autonomous EDR.
Technical Root Cause & Exploitation Mechanics
1. Vulnerability Overview & Root Cause
This vulnerability is a buffer underflow (CWE-124) within the Adobe Type Manager Font Driver (atmfd.dll), a kernel-mode driver in Microsoft Windows. The root cause lies in the insufficient validation of table sizes and offsets within OpenType Font (OTF) files during parsing. This allows an attacker to trigger an out-of-bounds memory access, writing or reading memory prior to the intended buffer boundary.
2. Exploitation Mechanics & Attack Scenario
An attacker exploits this vulnerability by embedding a maliciously crafted OpenType font into a web page or an email-delivered document (such as Microsoft Office or PDF files). When the victim's system attempts to render the font via atmfd.dll, the buffer underflow is triggered. This vulnerability was famously leaked in the Hacking Team breach, proving its weaponization and capability to achieve full SYSTEM-level remote code execution.
3. Infrastructure & Business Impact
As a CISA KEV-listed vulnerability, this flaw has been actively exploited in the wild. Successful exploitation grants the attacker full control over the affected endpoint with kernel privileges, leading to potential lateral movement, sensitive data exfiltration, and complete infrastructure compromise.
Official Vendor Advisories & References
Buffer underflow in atmfd.dll in the Windows Adobe Type Manager Library in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, and Windows RT Gold and 8.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted OpenType font, aka "OpenType Font Driver Vulnerability."
Frequently Asked SecOps Questions (CVE-2015-2426)
FAQQ1. How critical is CVE-2015-2426 and is it actively exploited in the wild?
CVE-2015-2426 is rated CVSS 8.8 (HIGH) with a 30-day EPSS exploitation probability of 86.6%. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, requiring immediate emergency remediation.
Q2. Which vendors and products are affected by CVE-2015-2426?
Primary impacted vendors include microsoft across windows, windows_server. Scope summary: Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 & R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold & R2, Windows RT Gold & 8.1
Q3. What temporary mitigations or workarounds exist for CVE-2015-2426 before patching?
[Mitigation] Apply the official Microsoft MS15-078 security patch immediately, or disable the Adobe Type Manager Font Driver (atmfd.dll) as a temporary workaround Follow the CLI remediation commands and interactive SecOps checklist on this page to restrict exposure prior to your maintenance window.
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