CVE-2016-7255: Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Published Nov 10, 2016
·
Updated

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, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, and 1607, and Windows Server 2016 allow local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."

Other sources

Microsoft Win32k kernel-mode driver fails to properly handle objects in memory which allows for privilege escalation. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to run code in kernel mode.

CISA

Affected Software

22 affected components
Microsoft Win32k
Microsoft Windows 10
Microsoft Windows 10=1511
Microsoft Windows 10=1607
Microsoft Windows 7=sp1
Microsoft Windows 8.1
Microsoft Windows RT 8.1
Microsoft Windows Server 2008=sp2
Microsoft Windows Server 2008=r2-sp1
Microsoft Windows Server 2012
Microsoft Windows Server 2012=r2
Microsoft Windows Server 2016
Microsoft Windows Vista=sp2
Microsoft Windows 10 1507
Microsoft Windows 10 1511
Microsoft Windows 10 1607
Microsoft Windows 7=sp1
Microsoft Windows 8.1
Microsoft Windows RT 8.1
Microsoft Windows Server 2008=sp2
Microsoft Windows Server 2016
Microsoft Windows Vista=sp2

Event History

Nov 10, 2016
CVE Published
via MITRE·06:16 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·06:16 AM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·07:00 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Nov 3, 2021
Known Exploited
via CISA·12:00 AM
Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2016-7255?

CVE-2016-7255 is rated as important, indicating a significant risk of privilege escalation.

2

How do I fix CVE-2016-7255?

To fix CVE-2016-7255, apply the latest security updates provided by Microsoft for affected Windows versions.

3

What versions of Windows are affected by CVE-2016-7255?

CVE-2016-7255 affects multiple versions including Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 10, Windows Server 2008 SP2, and more.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2016-7255?

CVE-2016-7255 is a privilege escalation vulnerability in the kernel-mode drivers of the Windows operating system.

5

Can attackers exploit CVE-2016-7255 remotely?

No, CVE-2016-7255 requires local access for exploitation, allowing local users to gain elevated privileges.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203