CVE-2016-0040

Name: CVE-2016-0040
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2016-02-10T11:59:06.44+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 24.55%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2016-0040 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. The kernel in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 SP1 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability.". CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 24.55% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The kernel in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 SP1 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows Elevation of Privilege 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

24.55%

97.6th 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.

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Microsoft	Windows 7	All versions	Sp1
Microsoft	Windows Server 2008	All versions	Sp2
Microsoft	Windows Server 2008	r2	Sp1
Microsoft	Windows Vista	All versions	Sp2

References

https://www.securitytracker.com/id/1034985Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2016/ms16-014Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/44586/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.securitytracker.com/id/1034985Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2016/ms16-014Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/44586/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2016-0040US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Feb 10, 2016
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2016-0040?

How severe is CVE-2016-0040?

CVE-2016-0040 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 24.55% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2016-0040?

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.

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Source: NVD / NIST