Is CVE-2017-0290 being exploited in the wild?

It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.

Is CVE-2017-0290 in the CISA KEV catalog?

No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

Is there a public exploit for CVE-2017-0290?

Public exploit code is available.

Is there a fix for CVE-2017-0290?

Fixed versions are available, including Malware Protection Engine 1.1.13701.0.

How urgently should CVE-2017-0290 be patched?

Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.

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Vulnerability Intelligence

CVE-2017-0290

HighPublic exploit

Published May 9, 2017 · Updated May 12, 2026

Key Facts

Patch immediately

CVE-2017-0290 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3) affecting Forefront Security (Microsoft), Malware Protection Engine (Microsoft), Windows Defender (Microsoft).
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
EPSS estimates a 81% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
Fixed versions are available, including Malware Protection Engine 1.1.13701.0.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.

CVSS v3

7.8

CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)

81%

Higher than 99.6% of all scored CVEs

Exploited in the wild

No known

Not in a known-exploited catalog

Public exploit code

Available

Proof-of-concept or weaponized module

Get the full CVE-2017-0290 brief as a PDF

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

Description

The Microsoft Malware Protection Engine running on Microsoft Forefront and Microsoft Defender on Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, and 1703, and Windows Server 2016 does not properly scan a specially crafted file leading to memory corruption, aka "Microsoft Malware Protection Engine Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."

Affected Products

4 affected entries in total

Product	Affected versions	Fixed in
Forefront SecurityMicrosoft	See advisory	n/a
Malware Protection EngineMicrosoft	>= Microsoft Forefront and Microsoft Defender on Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, and 1703, and Windows Server 2016	1.1.13701.0
Windows DefenderMicrosoft	See advisory	n/a

Patched Releases

Malware Protection Engine

1.1.13701.0

Timeline

Publicly disclosed
May 9, 2017
Last updated
May 12, 2026

Weakness Type

CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer

References

6 more references in the full CVE brief

FAQ

Common Questions.

The Microsoft Malware Protection Engine running on Microsoft Forefront and Microsoft Defender on Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, and 1703, and Windows Server 2016 does not properly scan a specially c…
Affected: Forefront Security (Microsoft); Malware Protection Engine (Microsoft) versions >= Microsoft Forefront and Microsoft Defender on Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, and 1703, and Windows Server 2016; Windows Defender (Microsoft). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Malware Protection Engine 1.1.13701.0.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.

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