CVE-2015-0016
HighExploitedPublic exploitDirectory traversal vulnerability in the TS WebProxy (aka TSWbPrxy) component in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, and Windows RT Gold and 8.1 allows remote attackers to gain…
Published Jan 13, 2015 · Updated Apr 22, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2015-0016 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Windows 7 (Microsoft), Windows 8 (Microsoft), Windows 8.1 (Microsoft) and 5 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jan 13, 2015. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 76% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
76%
Higher than 99.5% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2015-0016 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
Directory traversal vulnerability in the TS WebProxy (aka TSWbPrxy) component in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, and Windows RT Gold and 8.1 allows remote attackers to gain privileges via a crafted pathname in an executable file, as demonstrated by a transition from Low Integrity to Medium Integrity, aka "Directory Traversal Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | May 25, 2022 | Jun 15, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Jan 13, 2015 | Jun 15, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | May 25, 2022 | Jun 15, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | May 25, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
9 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 7Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 8Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 8.1Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows Rt 8.1Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows RtMicrosoft | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jan 13, 2015
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jan 13, 2015
Added to CISA KEV
May 25, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
May 25, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
May 25, 2022
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
References
- advisoryms-windows-cve20150016-priv-esc(99515)
- advisorywin-ms15kb3025421-update(99516)
- advisory71965
- advisory1031524
- patchMS15-004
FAQ
Common Questions.
Directory traversal vulnerability in the TS WebProxy (aka TSWbPrxy) component in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, and Windows RT Gold and 8.1 allows remote attackers to gain privileges via a crafted pathname in an executabl…
Affected: Windows 7 (Microsoft); Windows 8 (Microsoft); Windows 8.1 (Microsoft), among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jan 13, 2015.
Yes. It was added on May 25, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Jun 15, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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