How severe is CVE-2016-0046?

CVE-2016-0046 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-2016-0046 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 26% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-0046?

CVE-2016-0046 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-0046?

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-2016-0046 published?

CVE-2016-0046 was published on 2016-02-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-0046

CVE-2016-0046 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 26% places it in the 98th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-20.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 9.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 26% (98th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-20
Affected product: Microsoft Windows 10
Published: 2016-02-10
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Windows Reader in Microsoft Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, and Windows 10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Reader file, aka "Microsoft Windows Reader Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-0046?: Windows Reader in Microsoft Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, and Windows 10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Reader file, aka "Microsoft Windows Reader Vulnerability."
How severe is CVE-2016-0046?: CVE-2016-0046 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-2016-0046 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 26% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-0046?: CVE-2016-0046 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-0046?: 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-2016-0046 published?: CVE-2016-0046 was published on 2016-02-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_8.1:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2012:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2012:r2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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