CVE-2017-8540

Name: CVE-2017-8540
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2017-05-26T20:29:00.427+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 71.96%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2017-8540 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. 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-2017-8538 and CVE-2017-8541.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 71.96% 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-2017-8538 and CVE-2017-8541.

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

71.96%

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 Mar 24, 2022.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Microsoft	Malware Protection Engine	>= 1.1.13701.0, < 1.1.13704.0
Microsoft	Endpoint Protection	All versions
Microsoft	Exchange Server	2013
Microsoft	Exchange Server	2016
Microsoft	Forefront Endpoint Protection	All versions
Microsoft	Forefront Endpoint Protection	2010
Microsoft	Forefront Security	All versions
Microsoft	Intune Endpoint Protection	All versions
Microsoft	Security Essentials	All versions
Microsoft	System Center Endpoint Protection	All versions
Microsoft	Windows Defender	All versions

References

http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/98703Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1038571Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2017-8540Mitigation, Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/42088/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/98703Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1038571Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2017-8540Mitigation, Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/42088/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2017-8540US Government Resource

Timeline

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2017-8540?

How severe is CVE-2017-8540?

CVE-2017-8540 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 71.96% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2017-8540?

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-2017-8540?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST