CVE-2016-7255VulnerabilityPublished 11/03/2021Updated 10/24/2026

CVE-2016-7255: Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Affects Microsoft Win32kSource CISA KEV

Severity

High

No CVSS score published yet

Exploitation: Actively exploited – in CISA KEV since 11/03/2021
KEV deadline: 05/03/2022
Ransomware: Used in ransomware campaigns
EPSS: 81.0% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 99% of CVEs

What to do

CISA required action

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-7255 (opens in a new tab)

Description

CVE-2016-7255 is a privilege escalation vulnerability in the Microsoft Win32k kernel-mode driver. The flaw arises from improper handling of objects in memory, allowing attackers to execute code with kernel-level privileges. This vulnerability has been exploited in the wild and is known to have been used in ransomware campaigns.

Summary

Microsoft's Win32k kernel-mode driver contains a vulnerability where it fails to properly handle objects in memory. This flaw enables attackers to escalate privileges by executing arbitrary code in kernel mode, potentially gaining full control over the affected system. The vulnerability is identified as CVE-2016-7255 and has been actively exploited in real-world attacks, including ransomware campaigns.

Impact

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to run code in kernel mode, effectively escalating privileges to the highest level on the affected system. This can lead to complete system compromise, unauthorized access to sensitive data, and the ability to bypass security controls.

Mitigation

No explicit patch or remediation information is provided in the available data. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the Microsoft vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Given the known exploitation in the wild, applying any official Microsoft security updates related to Win32k is strongly recommended once identified.

Weaknesses

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

What to do

Description

AnalysisAI-generated, updated 10/24/2026, 09:19:09 UTC

Weaknesses

References

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