CVE-2016-0167: Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Vulnerability summary
CVE-2016-0167 is a high (CVSS 7.8) vulnerability in Microsoft Win32k. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 03-11-2021. It has been used in ransomware campaigns. EPSS estimates a 5.68% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 92.9% of scored vulnerabilities.
Timeline
- 12-04-2016PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
- 03-11-2021Added to CISA KEVMicrosoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- 03-05-2022CISA remediation dueApply updates per vendor instructions.
- 21-10-2025Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.
Description
The kernel-mode driver 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, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-0143 and CVE-2016-0165.
CVSS metrics
3 scores · 2 sources · 2 versions- NVDNIST7.8HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS trend
Probability
5.68%
Chance of exploitation in the next 30 days
Percentile
93%
Versus all other CVEs
30-day change
0.00 pp
From 5.68% on 19-09-2026
Known exploited
Compare KEV catalogs
CISA KEVListed- Added
- 03-11-2021
- Federal due date
- 03-05-2022
CISA required action
Apply updates per vendor instructions. nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-0167
Public exploits
0 foundNo public exploits indexed.
Weaknesses
CWE · root causeNo weakness data has been published for this record.
Affected systems
1 vendor · 8 products
References
4 links
docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2016/ms16-039Vendor AdvisoryX Refsource MSPatch- www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2016-0167Government ResourceUS Government Resource