CVE-2019-1151: A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows font library improperly handles specially crafted embedded fonts. An attacker who succes...

Description

A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows font library improperly handles specially crafted embedded fonts. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could take control of the affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights. There are multiple ways an attacker could exploit the vulnerability: In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a specially crafted website that is designed to exploit the vulnerability and then convince users to view the website. An attacker would have no way to force users to view the attacker-controlled content. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to take action, typically by getting them to click a link in an email or instant message that takes users to the attacker's website, or by opening an attachment sent through email. In a file-sharing attack scenario, an attacker could provide a specially crafted document file designed to exploit the vulnerability and then convince users to open the document file. The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the Windows font library handles embedded fonts.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

15.49%

96.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-787

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Microsoft	Office	2019	—
Microsoft	Windows 10	All versions	—
Microsoft	Windows 10	1607	—
Microsoft	Windows 10	1703	—
Microsoft	Windows 10	1709	—
Microsoft	Windows 10	1803	—
Microsoft	Windows 10	1809	—
Microsoft	Windows 10	1903	—
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 Server 2016	1803	—
Microsoft	Windows Server 2016	1903	—
Microsoft	Windows Server 2019	All versions	—

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/154092/Microsoft-Font-Subsetting-DLL-ReadAllocFormat12CharGlyphMapList-Heap-Corruption.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2019-1151Patch, Vendor Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/154092/Microsoft-Font-Subsetting-DLL-ReadAllocFormat12CharGlyphMapList-Heap-Corruption.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2019-1151Patch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Aug 14, 2019
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2019-1151?

A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows font library improperly handles specially crafted embedded fonts. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could take control of the affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights. There are multiple ways an attacker could exploit the vulnerability: In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a specially crafted website that is designed to exploit the vulnerability and then convince users to view the website. An attacker would have no way to force users to view the attacker-controlled content. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to take action, typically by getting them to click a link in an email or instant message that takes users to the attacker's website, or by opening an attachment sent through email. In a file-sharing attack scenario, an attacker could provide a specially crafted document file designed to exploit the vulnerability and then convince users to open the document file. The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the Windows font library handles embedded fonts.

How severe is CVE-2019-1151?

CVE-2019-1151 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 15.49% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2019-1151?

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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