CVE-2016-7255
The kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and…
Browse: All 2016 CVEs · All vendors
- CVSS score
- 7.8 High
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- CISA KEV
- Yes — actively exploited (added 2021-11-03, remediation due 2022-05-03)
- Ransomware
- Known ransomware campaign use
- Weakness (CWE)
- CWE-264
- Published
- 2016-11-10
- Last modified
- 2026-09-10
- NVD status
- Analyzed
Description
The kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, and 1607, and Windows Server 2016 allow local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
Affected products
- microsoft windows 10 1507
- microsoft windows 10 1511
- microsoft windows 10 1607
- microsoft windows 7
- microsoft windows 8.1
- microsoft windows rt 8.1
- microsoft windows server 2008
- microsoft windows server 2012
- microsoft windows server 2016
- microsoft windows vista
Affected ranges per NVD CPE data; confirm exact versions in the vendor advisory.
Required action (CISA)
Apply updates per vendor instructions. Federal remediation deadline: 2022-05-03.
How to prioritize this
This vulnerability is on the CISA KEV list, meaning it is being actively exploited — treat it as urgent regardless of the raw CVSS number. Use the live CVE lookup for the latest NVD data, and the CVSS 3.1 calculator to model your own environmental score. For the actively exploited vulnerabilities that matter this week, read The Exploit HQ daily security brief.
References
- http://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/one-bit-rule-system-analyzing-cve-2016-7255-exploit-wild/
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/140468/Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-win32k.sys-NtSetWindowLongPtr-Privilege-Escalation.html
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/94064
- http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037251
- https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2016/ms16-135
- https://github.com/mwrlabs/CVE-2016-7255
- https://securingtomorrow.mcafee.com/mcafee-labs/digging-windows-kernel-privilege-escalation-vulnerability-cve-2016-7255/
- https://security.googleblog.com/2016/10/disclosing-vulnerabilities-to-protect.html
FAQ
Is CVE-2016-7255 actively exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2016-7255 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog on 2021-11-03, with a federal remediation deadline of 2022-05-03. A KEV listing means real-world exploitation is confirmed, so patching this should be prioritized above many higher-CVSS bugs that aren't being exploited.
What is the CVSS score of CVE-2016-7255?
CVE-2016-7255 has a CVSS base score of 7.8 (High). Its vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.
Related vulnerabilities
- CVE-2016-0165 — Microsoft Win32k
- CVE-2023-29336 — Microsoft Win32k
- CVE-2015-2360 — Microsoft Win32k
- CVE-2018-8589 — Microsoft Win32k
- CVE-2014-4113 — Microsoft Win32k
- CVE-2021-41357 — Microsoft Win32k
Data source: NVD & CISA KEV. Shown as-is; nothing added. Last generated from NVD data — re-check the live tool for updates.
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