CVE-2016-7256 Microsoft Windows: login or permission bypass
In plain words: A door that should be locked is not: part of the system can be reached without a valid login or permission. The attacker gets in as a user or administrator without knowing a password.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Jun 15, 2022
What to do
- Install Microsoft's security update for Windows. 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. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
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 Open Type Font Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Windows
- CISA description
- A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows font library improperly handles specially crafted embedded fonts. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could take control of the affected system.
- Type of flaw
- Login or permission bypass (CWE-284)
- Confirmed exploited
- May 25, 2022
- US federal patch deadline
- Jun 15, 2022
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Answering about CVE-2016-7256 ·
Questions about CVE-2016-7256
Is CVE-2016-7256 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2016-7256 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on May 25, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2016-7256?
Install Microsoft's security update for Windows. 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-2016-7256?
Only if you use Microsoft Windows. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.