CVE-2016-7255
Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
CVSS
7.8
High
EPSS
81.0%
p100
KEV
YES
Nov 3, 2021
Exploit Today
80
0-100
Published: Nov 10, 2016 · Last modified: Sep 10, 2026
Product
Microsoft / Win32k
Vulnerability
Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Added to KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Remediate by
May 3, 2022
Known ransomware use
Yes
Summary description
Microsoft Win32k kernel-mode driver fails to properly handle objects in memory which allows for privilege escalation. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to run code in kernel mode.
Required action
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Notes
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/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 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."
- blog.trendmicro.comhttp://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/one-bit-rule-system-analyzing-cve-2016-7255-exploit-wild/
- packetstormsecurity.comhttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/140468/Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-win32k.sys-NtSetWindowLongPtr-Privilege-Escalation.html
- www.securityfocus.comhttp://www.securityfocus.com/bid/94064
- www.securitytracker.comhttp://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037251
- docs.microsoft.comhttps://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2016/ms16-135
- github.comhttps://github.com/mwrlabs/CVE-2016-7255
- securingtomorrow.mcafee.comhttps://securingtomorrow.mcafee.com/mcafee-labs/digging-windows-kernel-privilege-escalation-vulnerability-cve-2016-7255/
- security.googleblog.comhttps://security.googleblog.com/2016/10/disclosing-vulnerabilities-to-protect.html
- www.exploit-db.comhttps://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40745/
- www.exploit-db.comhttps://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40823/
- www.exploit-db.comhttps://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/41015/
- blog.trendmicro.comhttp://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/one-bit-rule-system-analyzing-cve-2016-7255-exploit-wild/
- packetstormsecurity.comhttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/140468/Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-win32k.sys-NtSetWindowLongPtr-Privilege-Escalation.html
- www.securityfocus.comhttp://www.securityfocus.com/bid/94064
- www.securitytracker.comhttp://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037251
- docs.microsoft.comhttps://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2016/ms16-135
- github.comhttps://github.com/mwrlabs/CVE-2016-7255
- securingtomorrow.mcafee.comhttps://securingtomorrow.mcafee.com/mcafee-labs/digging-windows-kernel-privilege-escalation-vulnerability-cve-2016-7255/
- security.googleblog.comhttps://security.googleblog.com/2016/10/disclosing-vulnerabilities-to-protect.html
- www.exploit-db.comhttps://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40745/