CVE-2016-7255

Name: CVE-2016-7255
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2016-11-10T07:00:09.46+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 80.97%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2016-7255 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. 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.". CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 80.97% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

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."

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

80.97%

99.6th 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 May 3, 2022.

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Microsoft	Windows 10 1507	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows 10 1511	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows 10 1607	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows 7	All versions	Sp1
Microsoft	Windows 8.1	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows Rt 8.1	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows Server 2008	All versions	Sp2
Microsoft	Windows Server 2008	r2	Sp1
Microsoft	Windows Server 2012	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows Server 2012	r2	—
Microsoft	Windows Server 2016	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows Vista	All versions	Sp2

References

http://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/one-bit-rule-system-analyzing-cve-2016-7255-exploit-wild/Broken Link
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/140468/Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-win32k.sys-NtSetWindowLongPtr-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/94064Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037251Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2016/ms16-135Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/mwrlabs/CVE-2016-7255Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://securingtomorrow.mcafee.com/mcafee-labs/digging-windows-kernel-privilege-escalation-vulnerability-cve-2016-7255/Broken Link
https://security.googleblog.com/2016/10/disclosing-vulnerabilities-to-protect.htmlThird Party Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40745/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40823/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/41015/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/one-bit-rule-system-analyzing-cve-2016-7255-exploit-wild/Broken Link
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/140468/Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-win32k.sys-NtSetWindowLongPtr-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/94064Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037251Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2016/ms16-135Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/mwrlabs/CVE-2016-7255Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://securingtomorrow.mcafee.com/mcafee-labs/digging-windows-kernel-privilege-escalation-vulnerability-cve-2016-7255/Broken Link
https://security.googleblog.com/2016/10/disclosing-vulnerabilities-to-protect.htmlThird Party Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40745/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40823/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/41015/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2016-7255US Government Resource

Timeline

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2016-7255?

How severe is CVE-2016-7255?

CVE-2016-7255 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 80.97% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2016-7255?

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-2016-7255?

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

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Source: NVD / NIST