CVE-2017-8538
HighPublic exploitThe 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…
Published May 26, 2017 · Updated May 12, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2017-8538 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 50% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Malware Protection Engine 1.1.13704.0.
- 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)
50%
Higher than 98.8% 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-2017-8538 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, Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 and 2016, does not properly scan a specially crafted file leading to memory corruption. aka "Microsoft Malware Protection Engine Remote Code Execution Vulnerability", a different vulnerability than CVE-2017-8540 and CVE-2017-8541.
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, Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 and 2016. | 1.1.13704.0 |
| Windows DefenderMicrosoft | See advisory | n/a |
Patched Releases
Malware Protection Engine
1.1.13704.0
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
May 26, 2017
Last updated
May 12, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer
References
- advisoryhttps://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2017-8538
- advisory98706
- exploitExploitDB-42081
- other42081
- other1038571
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, Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 and…
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, Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 and 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 1.1.13704.0.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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