CVE-2016-3309VulnerabilityPublished 03/15/2022Updated 10/24/2026

CVE-2016-3309: Microsoft Windows Kernel Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Affects Microsoft WindowsSource CISA KEV

Severity

High

No CVSS score published yet

Exploitation: Actively exploited – in CISA KEV since 03/15/2022
KEV deadline: 04/05/2022
Ransomware: Used in ransomware campaigns
EPSS: 20.5% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 97% of CVEs

What to do

CISA required action

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-3309 (opens in a new tab)

Description

CVE-2016-3309 is a privilege escalation vulnerability in the Microsoft Windows kernel caused by improper handling of objects in memory. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in kernel mode. This vulnerability has been exploited in the wild and is known to have been used in ransomware campaigns. No specific affected Windows versions or patch information is provided in the available data.

Summary

This vulnerability arises from the Windows kernel's failure to properly handle objects in memory, enabling attackers to escalate privileges by executing arbitrary code at the kernel level. The flaw is identified as CVE-2016-3309 and is associated with CWE-264 (Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls). It has been confirmed as exploited in the wild and linked to ransomware campaigns. No explicit patch or remediation details are included in the provided information.

Impact

Exploitation of this vulnerability allows attackers to gain kernel-level code execution, effectively escalating privileges on the affected Windows system. This can lead to complete system compromise, enabling attackers to bypass security controls and execute malicious payloads with high privileges. The vulnerability has been actively exploited in real-world attacks, including ransomware campaigns.

Mitigation

Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Due to the lack of explicit patch or remediation information, users should consult Microsoft's official security advisories and apply any available updates addressing CVE-2016-3309. Until a fix is confirmed, monitoring vendor communications is essential.

Weaknesses

CWE-264Unclassified weakness (opens in a new tab)

What to do

Description

AnalysisAI-generated, updated 10/24/2026, 10:42:14 UTC

Weaknesses

References

Related threats