CVE-2016-0165
HighExploitedPublic exploitThe kernel-mode driver in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k…
Published Apr 12, 2016 · Updated Apr 21, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2016-0165 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Windows 10 1507 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1511 (Microsoft), Windows 7 (Microsoft) and 5 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 12, 2016. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 14% 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)
14%
Higher than 96.4% 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-2016-0165 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
The kernel-mode driver in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-0143 and CVE-2016-0167.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Jun 22, 2023 | Jul 13, 2023 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Apr 12, 2016 | Jul 13, 2023 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Jun 22, 2023 | Jul 13, 2023 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Jun 22, 2023 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
10 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 1507Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 10 1511Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 7Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 8.1Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows Rt 8.1Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Apr 12, 2016
Added to Industry KEV feed
Apr 12, 2016
Added to CISA KEV
Jun 22, 2023
Added to CIRCL KEV
Jun 22, 2023
Added to ENISA EUVD
Jun 22, 2023
Last updated
Apr 21, 2026
References
- advisory44480
- advisory1035529
- advisory1035532
- patchMS16-039
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
The kernel-mode driver in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," a diff…
Affected: Windows 10 1507 (Microsoft); Windows 10 1511 (Microsoft); Windows 7 (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 Apr 12, 2016.
Yes. It was added on Jun 22, 2023 with a federal remediation due date of Jul 13, 2023.
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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