PatchTheCVECVE-2016-7255: Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
CVE-2016-7255 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting windows 10 1507, windows 10 1511, windows 10 1607, reported as exploited in the wild. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
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."
Why this priority
- High severity
- EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited
- Exploited in the wild (CISA KEV)
- Used in ransomware campaigns
- Public exploit reference
- On your watchlist
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 7.8 (High) |
| Attack vector | Local |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | Required |
| EPSS exploit chance | 81.0% (top 1%) |
| CISA exploited list | Yes, fix due 2022-05-03, used in ransomware |
| Published | 2016-11-10 |
| Last modified | 2026-09-10 |
Last updated 2026-09-10 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Exploited Added to the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list
- Deadline CISA due date for US federal agencies to patch
- Updated Record last modified
Exact fixes by distribution
Public exploits and detection
Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.
- GitHub PoC: FSecureLABS/CVE-2016-7255 (81 stars)
- GitHub PoC: yuvatia/page-table-exploitation (11 stars)
- GitHub PoC: heh3/CVE-2016-7255 (3 stars)
- Write-up: github.com/mwrlabs/CVE-2016-7255
- Write-up: www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40745/
- Exploit-DB: Microsoft Windows Kernel - 'win32k' Denial of Service (MS16-135)
- Exploit-DB: Microsoft Windows Kernel - 'win32k.sys NtSetWindowLongPtr' Local Privilege Escalation (MS16-135) (1)
- Exploit-DB: Microsoft Windows Kernel - 'win32k.sys NtSetWindowLongPtr' Local Privilege Escalation (MS16-135) (2)
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2016-7255?
windows 10 1507: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; windows 10 1511: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; windows 10 1607: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2016-7255 being exploited?
Yes. CVE-2016-7255 is on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list, so treat it as patch-now.
What does CVE-2016-7255 affect?
CVE-2016-7255 affects windows 10 1507, windows 10 1511, windows 10 1607. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). 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 us
How urgent is CVE-2016-7255?
Priority 92/100. High severity; EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited; Exploited in the wild (CISA KEV); Used in ransomware campaigns; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist
Software pages
Windows vulnerabilities · Windows Server vulnerabilities
Related CVEs
- CVE-2025-54116 HIGH 7.3 UPGRADE UPGRADE Improper access control in Windows MultiPoint Services allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges loc
- CVE-2020-1054 HIGH 7.0 EXPLOITED MITIGATE MITIGATE Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- CVE-2025-26633 HIGH 7.0 EXPLOITED UPGRADE UPGRADE Microsoft Windows Management Console (MMC) Improper Neutralization Vulnerability
- CVE-2025-24993 HIGH 7.8 EXPLOITED UPGRADE UPGRADE Microsoft Windows NTFS Heap-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
- CVE-2025-21391 HIGH 7.1 EXPLOITED UPGRADE UPGRADE Microsoft Windows Storage Link Following Vulnerability