How severe is CVE-2016-0042?

CVE-2016-0042 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, 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 high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2016-0042 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 6% (92nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-0042?

CVE-2016-0042 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 10 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-0042?

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-2016-0042 published?

CVE-2016-0042 was published on 2016-02-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-0042

CVE-2016-0042 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 6% (92nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Microsoft Windows 10
Published: 2016-02-10
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 mishandle DLL loading, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows DLL Loading Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-0042?: Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 mishandle DLL loading, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows DLL Loading Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
How severe is CVE-2016-0042?: CVE-2016-0042 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, 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 high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2016-0042 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 6% (92nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-0042?: CVE-2016-0042 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 10 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-0042?: 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-2016-0042 published?: CVE-2016-0042 was published on 2016-02-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (10)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:1511:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_7:*:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_8.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_rt_8.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:*:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:r2:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2012:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2012:r2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_vista:*:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*

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