CVE-2010-2729

CVE-2010-2729 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 7 with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 76% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-20.

Key facts

Description

The Print Spooler service in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP1 and SP2, Windows Server 2008 Gold, SP2, and R2, and Windows 7, when printer sharing is enabled, does not properly validate spooler access permissions, which allows remote attackers to create files in a system directory, and consequently execute arbitrary code, by sending a crafted print request over RPC, as exploited in the wild in September 2010, aka "Print Spooler Service Impersonation Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2010-2729?
The Print Spooler service in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP1 and SP2, Windows Server 2008 Gold, SP2, and R2, and Windows 7, when printer sharing is enabled, does not properly validate spooler access permissions, which allows remote attackers to create files in a system directory, and consequently execute arbitrary code, by sending a crafted print request over RPC, as exploited in the wild in September 2010, aka "Print Spooler Service Impersonation Vulnerability."
How severe is CVE-2010-2729?
CVE-2010-2729 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2010-2729 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 76% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2010-2729?
CVE-2010-2729 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 7. In total, 17 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2010-2729?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2010-2729 published?
CVE-2010-2729 was published on 2010-09-15 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (17)

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