CVE-2016-3309

Deeper analysis AI-assisted summary

Synthesised by an AI model from the NVD description and linked references — a reading aid, not an authoritative source.

The vulnerability is an elevation of privilege flaw in the kernel-mode drivers of the Win32k component, tracked as CVE-2016-3309. It affects 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. The issue permits local users to gain elevated privileges through a specially crafted application and is distinct from the related Win32k issues CVE-2016-3308, CVE-2016-3310, and CVE-2016-3311. It carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 reflecting local access with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

An attacker with the ability to run a crafted application on an affected system can exploit the flaw to elevate privileges, potentially obtaining administrative control over the target host. The attack requires local access and does not need user interaction beyond execution of the malicious code.

Microsoft addressed the vulnerability in security bulletin MS16-098, which provides patches for the listed Windows versions. Administrators are advised to apply the updates to eliminate the exposure.

Public exploit code for the issue has been published, increasing the likelihood of in-the-wild use by attackers with existing local access.