CVE-2013-3660

Name: CVE-2013-3660
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2013-05-24T20:55:01.903+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 39.58%

Last modified Jun 16, 2026

CVE-2013-3660 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. The EPATHOBJ::pprFlattenRec function in win32k.sys in the kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2012 does not properly initialize a pointer for the next object in a certain list, which allows local users to obtain write access to the PATHRECORD chain, and consequently gain privileges, by triggering excessive consumption of paged memory and then making many FlattenPath function calls, aka "Win32k Read AV Vulnerability.". CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 39.58% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The EPATHOBJ::pprFlattenRec function in win32k.sys in the kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2012 does not properly initialize a pointer for the next object in a certain list, which allows local users to obtain write access to the PATHRECORD chain, and consequently gain privileges, by triggering excessive consumption of paged memory and then making many FlattenPath function calls, aka "Win32k Read AV Vulnerability."

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

39.58%

98.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Apr 18, 2022.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Microsoft	Windows 7	All versions	Sp1
Microsoft	Windows 8	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows Rt	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows Server 2003	All versions	Sp2
Microsoft	Windows Server 2008	All versions	Sp2
Microsoft	Windows Server 2008	r2	Sp1
Microsoft	Windows Server 2012	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows Vista	All versions	Sp2
Microsoft	Windows Xp	All versions	Sp2

References

http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/fulldisclosure/2013-05/0090.htmlBroken Link
http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/fulldisclosure/2013-05/0094.htmlBroken Link
http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/fulldisclosure/2013-06/0006.htmlBroken Link
http://secunia.com/advisories/53435Broken Link, Vendor Advisory
http://twitter.com/taviso/statuses/309157606247768064Exploit
http://twitter.com/taviso/statuses/335557286657400832Not Applicable
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9239477Broken Link
http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/25611/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.osvdb.org/93539Broken Link
http://www.reddit.com/r/netsec/comments/1eqh66/0day_windows_kernel_epathobj_vulnerability/Exploit, Issue Tracking
http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/23/4358400/google-engineer-bashes-microsoft-discloses-windows-flawPress/Media Coverage
http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA13-190AThird Party Advisory, US Government Resource
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2013/ms13-053Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A17360Broken Link
http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/fulldisclosure/2013-05/0090.htmlBroken Link
http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/fulldisclosure/2013-05/0094.htmlBroken Link
http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/fulldisclosure/2013-06/0006.htmlBroken Link
http://secunia.com/advisories/53435Broken Link, Vendor Advisory
http://twitter.com/taviso/statuses/309157606247768064Exploit
http://twitter.com/taviso/statuses/335557286657400832Not Applicable
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9239477Broken Link
http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/25611/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.osvdb.org/93539Broken Link
http://www.reddit.com/r/netsec/comments/1eqh66/0day_windows_kernel_epathobj_vulnerability/Exploit, Issue Tracking
http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/23/4358400/google-engineer-bashes-microsoft-discloses-windows-flawPress/Media Coverage
http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA13-190AThird Party Advisory, US Government Resource
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2013/ms13-053Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A17360Broken Link
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2013-3660US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: May 24, 2013
Last Modified: Jun 16, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2013-3660?

How severe is CVE-2013-3660?

CVE-2013-3660 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 39.58% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2013-3660?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2013-3660?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST