CVE-2016-3309
HighExploitedPublic exploitThe kernel-mode drivers 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, 1511, and 1607 allow local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka…
Published Aug 9, 2016 · Updated Apr 22, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2016-3309 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Windows 10 1507 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1511 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1607 (Microsoft) and 6 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 15, 2022 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 20% 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:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
20%
Higher than 97.4% 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-2016-3309 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 drivers 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, 1511, and 1607 allow local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-3308, CVE-2016-3310, and CVE-2016-3311.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 15, 2022 | Apr 5, 2022 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Mar 15, 2022 | Apr 5, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 15, 2022 | Apr 5, 2022 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 15, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
11 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 1507Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 10 1511Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 10 1607Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 7Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 8.1Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Aug 9, 2016
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 15, 2022
Added to Industry KEV feed
Mar 15, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 15, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 15, 2022
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026
References
- advisory42960
- advisory92297
- advisory1036572
- patchMS16-098
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
The kernel-mode drivers 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, 1511, and 1607 allow local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability,"…
Affected: Windows 10 1507 (Microsoft); Windows 10 1511 (Microsoft); Windows 10 1607 (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 15, 2022 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Mar 15, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Apr 5, 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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