CVE-2017-8538

Name: CVE-2017-8538
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2017-05-26T20:29:00.32+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

UnknownEPSS 50.28%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2017-8538 is a vulnerability of currently unknown severity. The Microsoft Malware Protection Engine running on Microsoft Forefront and Microsoft Defender on Microsoft 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, 1607, and 1703, and Windows Server 2016, Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 and 2016, does not properly scan a specially crafted file leading to memory corruption. aka "Microsoft Malware Protection Engine Remote Code Execution Vulnerability", a different vulnerability than CVE-2017-8540 and CVE-2017-8541.. EPSS estimates a 50.28% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The Microsoft Malware Protection Engine running on Microsoft Forefront and Microsoft Defender on Microsoft 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, 1607, and 1703, and Windows Server 2016, Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 and 2016, does not properly scan a specially crafted file leading to memory corruption. aka "Microsoft Malware Protection Engine Remote Code Execution Vulnerability", a different vulnerability than CVE-2017-8540 and CVE-2017-8541.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

50.28%

98.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-119

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Microsoft	Forefront Security	All versions
Microsoft	Malware Protection Engine	<= 1.1.13704.0
Microsoft	Windows Defender	All versions

References

http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/98706Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1038571
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2017-8538Vendor Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/42081/
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/98706Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1038571
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2017-8538Vendor Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/42081/

Timeline

Published: May 26, 2017
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2017-8538?

How severe is CVE-2017-8538?

Severity scoring for CVE-2017-8538 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 50.28% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2017-8538?

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-2017-8538?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST