CVE-2016-0151
HighExploitedPublic exploitThe Client-Server Run-time Subsystem (CSRSS) in Microsoft Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 mismanages process tokens, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows CSRSS Security…
Published Apr 12, 2016 · Updated Apr 21, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2016-0151 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Windows 10 1507 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1511 (Microsoft), Windows 8.1 (Microsoft) and 2 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 28, 2022 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 63% 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)
63%
Higher than 99.1% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings, used by ransomware
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2016-0151 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
The Client-Server Run-time Subsystem (CSRSS) in Microsoft Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 mismanages process tokens, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows CSRSS Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability."
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 28, 2022 | Apr 18, 2022 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Mar 28, 2022 | Apr 18, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 28, 2022 | Apr 18, 2022 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 28, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
6 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 1507Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 10 1511Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 8.1Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows Rt 8.1Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows Server 2012Microsoft | r2 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Apr 12, 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 21, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-269 Improper Privilege Management
References
- advisory1035544
- patchMS16-048
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitExploitDB-39740
- exploit39740
FAQ
Common Questions.
The Client-Server Run-time Subsystem (CSRSS) in Microsoft Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 mismanages process tokens, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows CSRSS Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability."
Affected: Windows 10 1507 (Microsoft); Windows 10 1511 (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 Mar 28, 2022 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
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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