CVE-2016-0185

Name: CVE-2016-0185
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2016-05-11T01:59:26.097+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 69.94%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2016-0185 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Media Center in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1, and Windows 8.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Media Center link (aka .mcl) file, aka "Windows Media Center Remote Code Execution Vulnerability.". CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 69.94% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Media Center in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1, and Windows 8.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Media Center link (aka .mcl) file, aka "Windows Media Center Remote Code Execution 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

69.94%

99.3th 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 May 3, 2022.

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Microsoft	Windows 7	All versions	Sp1
Microsoft	Windows 8.1	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows Vista	All versions	Sp2

References

https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/90023Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.securitytracker.com/id/1035832Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-16-277Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2016/ms16-059Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/39805/Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/90023Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.securitytracker.com/id/1035832Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-16-277Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2016/ms16-059Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/39805/Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2016-0185US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: May 11, 2016
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2016-0185?

How severe is CVE-2016-0185?

CVE-2016-0185 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 69.94% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2016-0185?

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.

How Strix Helps

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Source: NVD / NIST