CVE Tools
Sign in

CVE-2016-3309

Published: Aug 9, 2016Updated: Apr 22, 2026 Sources: CVE List NVD BDUNVD-CWE-noinfo
7.8HIGH
NVD MITRE
EPSS Score
20.6%
Top 2.6%
CISA KEV
Active Exploitation
Since Mar 15, 2022
Exploits
1 Known
Remediation
Patch Available
Self-Check
OpenVAS

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.

In plain language

AI Act now

CVE-2016-3309 is a Windows flaw where a low-privilege local attacker can use a specially crafted app to take over the whole machine; if you run affected Windows versions, you should act urgently by installing Microsoft’s fix.

Executive summary

CVE-2016-3309 is a local privilege-escalation flaw in Microsoft Windows kernel-mode drivers: an attacker with initial low-level access can run a crafted application to gain higher system privileges and potentially full control, with real-world exploitation reported by CISA in ransomware campaigns.

If affected, business impact
Full system takeoverRansomware deployment riskData theft or encryptionComplete loss of control

What to do now

  1. Check which Windows versions and service packs you run, and confirm whether the Microsoft security update MS16-098 is installed.
  2. If you are on a vulnerable Windows version, install the Microsoft fix for CVE-2016-3309 by applying MS16-098 per Microsoft’s guidance.
  3. After patching, verify the update is present, then review logs/alerts for any suspicious local execution attempts or unusual privilege changes around the same timeframe.
Patch / advisory Some work to apply

CVSS Vector Breakdown

AV:LAC:LPR:LUI:NS:UC:HI:HA:H
Exploitability
AV:LAttack Vector
Local
AC:LAttack Complexity
Low
PR:LPrivileges Required
Low
UI:NUser Interaction
None
Scope
S:UScope
Unchanged
Impact
C:HConfidentiality
High
I:HIntegrity
High
A:HAvailability
High
Open in CVSS calculator →

Weaknesses

NVD-CWE-noinfo

Affected Products

Microsoft Corp
commercial·USaka microsoft, microsoft corporation
Windows 10On-premOS
Operating Systems / windows
Windows 7 Service Pack 1On-premOS
Operating Systems / windows
Windows 8.1On-premOS
Operating Systems / windows
Windows RT 8.1On-premOS
Operating Systems / windows
Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2On-premOS
Operating Systems / windows
Windows Server 2012 GoldOn-premOS
Operating Systems / windows
windows vistaOS
Operating Systems / windows
Windows Vista Service Pack 2On-premOS
Operating Systems / windows
and 12 more affected products View all →

Exploitability

CISA Known Exploited Vulnerability
Added to KEV:Mar 15, 2022
Remediation due:Apr 5, 2022
Ransomware:Known ransomware use

Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

1 exploit source identified

Exploit details including PoC links, Metasploit modules, and scanner templates are available after registration.

View exploit details
Official Patch Available
Is your org exposed to CVE-2016-3309?We can run the check for you — a free external exposure review, no install. Check my exposure

References

http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/92297
securityfocus.com
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1036572
securitytracker.com
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2016/ms16-098
docs.microsoft.com
and 4 more references View all →

Unlock Complete Vulnerability Intelligence

Get the full picture for CVE-2016-3309 and every CVE in our database. Create a free account — no credit card required.

Create Free Account
Plain-language analysis
Impact assessment and exploitation scenario in plain English
Attack graph visualization
Interactive attack path and kill chain mapping
Exploit details & PoC links
ExploitDB, Metasploit, GitHub PoCs with direct links
Nuclei scanner templates
Ready-to-use vulnerability scanner templates
Full remediation guide
Patch instructions, workarounds, and compliance impact
Interactive AI chat
Ask questions about this vulnerability in natural language
Related vulnerabilities
Semantically similar CVEs and attack patterns
REST API & MCP access
Integrate vulnerability data into your workflows