CVE-2013-3660

CVE-2013-3660 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 7 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming it has been exploited in the wild (added 2022-03-28). The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-119.

Key facts

Description

The EPATHOBJ::pprFlattenRec function in win32k.sys in the kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2012 does not properly initialize a pointer for the next object in a certain list, which allows local users to obtain write access to the PATHRECORD chain, and consequently gain privileges, by triggering excessive consumption of paged memory and then making many FlattenPath function calls, aka "Win32k Read AV Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2013-3660?
The EPATHOBJ::pprFlattenRec function in win32k.sys in the kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2012 does not properly initialize a pointer for the next object in a certain list, which allows local users to obtain write access to the PATHRECORD chain, and consequently gain privileges, by triggering excessive consumption of paged memory and then making many FlattenPath function calls, aka "Win32k Read AV Vulnerability."
How severe is CVE-2013-3660?
CVE-2013-3660 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2013-3660 being actively exploited?
Yes. CVE-2013-3660 is on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added on 2022-03-28, which means active exploitation has been confirmed. It should be prioritised for remediation.
What products are affected by CVE-2013-3660?
CVE-2013-3660 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 7. In total, 10 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2013-3660?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Because this CVE is known to be actively exploited, treat remediation as urgent — CISA KEV typically sets a short remediation deadline.
Does CVE-2013-3660 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2013-3660 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2013-3593. It is also flagged as exploited in the EUVD (since 2022-03-28).
When was CVE-2013-3660 published?
CVE-2013-3660 was published on 2013-05-24 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (10)

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