CVE-2016-3309: Microsoft Windows Kernel Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Vulnerability summary
CVE-2016-3309 is a high (CVSS 7.8) vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 15-03-2022. It has been used in ransomware campaigns. EPSS estimates a 20.47% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 97.4% of scored vulnerabilities. 1 public exploit is recorded.
Timeline
- 09-08-2016PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
- 15-03-2022Added to CISA KEVMicrosoft Windows Kernel Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- 05-04-2022CISA remediation dueApply updates per vendor instructions.
- 21-10-2025Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.
Description
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; and Windows 10 Gold, 1511, and 1607 allow local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-3308, CVE-2016-3310, and CVE-2016-3311.
CVSS metrics
3 scores · 2 sources · 2 versions- NVDNIST7.8HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS trend
Probability
20.47%
Chance of exploitation in the next 30 days
Percentile
97%
Versus all other CVEs
30-day change
0.00 pp
From 20.47% on 19-09-2026
Known exploited
Compare KEV catalogs
CISA KEVListed- Added
- 15-03-2022
- Federal due date
- 05-04-2022
CISA required action
Apply updates per vendor instructions. nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-3309
Public exploits
1 foundMicrosoft Windows 10 RS2 (x64) - 'win32kfull!bFill' Pool Overflow
Maturity: poc
Weaknesses
CWE · root causeNo weakness data has been published for this record.
Affected systems
1 vendor · 9 products
References
5 links
docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2016/ms16-098Vendor AdvisoryX Refsource MSPatch- www.exploit-db.com/exploits/42960/ExploitX Refsource EXPLOIT DBBroken LinkThird Party AdvisoryVDB Entry
- www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2016-3309Government ResourceUS Government Resource