How severe is CVE-2009-2516?

CVE-2009-2516 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability high.

Is CVE-2009-2516 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (68th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2009-2516?

CVE-2009-2516 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 2000. In total, 14 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2009-2516?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2009-2516 published?

CVE-2009-2516 was published on 2009-10-14 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2009-2516

CVE-2009-2516 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 2000 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-20.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.1)
CVSS v2: 6.9
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (68th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-20
Affected product: Microsoft Windows 2000
Published: 2009-10-14
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The kernel in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP2, Vista Gold and SP1, and Server 2008 Gold does not properly validate data sent from user mode, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted PE .exe file that triggers a NULL pointer dereference during chain traversal, aka "Windows Kernel NULL Pointer Dereference Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2009-2516?: The kernel in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP2, Vista Gold and SP1, and Server 2008 Gold does not properly validate data sent from user mode, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted PE .exe file that triggers a NULL pointer dereference during chain traversal, aka "Windows Kernel NULL Pointer Dereference Vulnerability."
How severe is CVE-2009-2516?: CVE-2009-2516 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2009-2516 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (68th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2009-2516?: CVE-2009-2516 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 2000. In total, 14 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2009-2516?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2009-2516 published?: CVE-2009-2516 was published on 2009-10-14 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (14)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_2000:*:sp4:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2003:*:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:*:*:itanium:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:*:*:x32:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:*:*:x64:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_vista:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_vista:*:*:x64:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_vista:*:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:sp2:professional:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:sp2:professional_x64:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:sp2:x64:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:sp3:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:x64:*:*:*:*:*:*

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