Which products and versions are affected by CVE-2016-0040?

Affected: Windows 7 (Microsoft); Windows Server 2008 (Microsoft) versions r2-sp1; Windows Vista (Microsoft). The full list is in the CVE brief.

Is CVE-2016-0040 being exploited in the wild?

It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 28, 2022.

Is CVE-2016-0040 in the CISA KEV catalog?

Yes. It was added on Mar 28, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Apr 18, 2022.

Is there a public exploit for CVE-2016-0040?

Public exploit code is available.

Is there a fix for CVE-2016-0040?

No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.

How urgently should CVE-2016-0040 be patched?

Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.

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Vulnerability Intelligence

CVE-2016-0040

HighExploitedPublic exploit

The kernel in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 SP1 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."

Published Feb 10, 2016 · Updated Apr 22, 2026

Key Facts

Patch immediately

CVE-2016-0040 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Windows 7 (Microsoft), Windows Server 2008 (Microsoft), Windows Vista (Microsoft).
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 28, 2022. Public exploit code is available.
EPSS estimates a 24% 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)

24%

Higher than 97.8% 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-2016-0040 brief as a PDF

Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.

Description

Known-Exploited Catalog Listings

Catalog	Added	Remediation due	Ransomware use
CISA KEV	Mar 28, 2022	Apr 18, 2022	Not reported
Industry KEV feed	Mar 28, 2022	Apr 18, 2022	Not reported
CIRCL KEV	Mar 28, 2022	Apr 18, 2022	Not reported
ENISA EUVD	Mar 28, 2022	n/a	Not reported

Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Affected Products

4 affected entries in total

Product	Affected versions	Fixed in
Windows 7Microsoft	See advisory	n/a
Windows Server 2008Microsoft	r2-sp1	n/a
Windows VistaMicrosoft	See advisory	n/a

Timeline

Publicly disclosed
Feb 10, 2016
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 28, 2022
Added to Industry KEV feed
Mar 28, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 28, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 28, 2022
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026

References

2 more references in the full CVE brief

FAQ

Common Questions.

The kernel in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 SP1 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
Affected: Windows 7 (Microsoft); Windows Server 2008 (Microsoft) versions r2-sp1; Windows Vista (Microsoft). 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 Mar 28, 2022.
Yes. It was added on Mar 28, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Apr 18, 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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