CVE-2016-0151 Microsoft Client-Server Run-time Subsystem (CSRSS): privilege escalation
In plain words: Something running with limited rights can promote itself to full control. Turns a small foothold (like a malicious app) into administrator or system-level access.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Apr 18, 2022
What to do
- Install Microsoft's security update for Client-Server Run-time Subsystem (CSRSS). If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
- Be careful with unexpected attachments — documents, .zip/.rar files and shortcuts are common bait.
- Use a normal (non-admin) account day to day and keep built-in protection like Microsoft Defender on.
Who is affected
Could reach you. Used in ransomware, which spreads to ordinary people and small businesses.
What's at risk: Your files, saved passwords and accounts. Many of these let a program that is already running gain full administrator control.
The details
- Official name
- Microsoft Windows CSRSS Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Client-Server Run-time Subsystem (CSRSS)
- CISA description
- The Client-Server Run-time Subsystem (CSRSS) in Microsoft mismanages process tokens, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application.
- Type of flaw
- Privilege escalation (CWE-264)
- Confirmed exploited
- Mar 28, 2022 — known to be used in ransomware attacks
- US federal patch deadline
- Apr 18, 2022
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Answering about CVE-2016-0151 ·
Questions about CVE-2016-0151
Is CVE-2016-0151 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2016-0151 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Mar 28, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks, including by ransomware groups.
How do I fix CVE-2016-0151?
Install Microsoft's security update for Client-Server Run-time Subsystem (CSRSS). If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
Am I affected by CVE-2016-0151?
Only if you use Microsoft Client-Server Run-time Subsystem (CSRSS). Used in ransomware, which spreads to ordinary people and small businesses.