How severe is CVE-2016-0049?

CVE-2016-0049 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.2, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.

Is CVE-2016-0049 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 13% (96th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-0049?

CVE-2016-0049 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 9 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-0049?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2016-0049 published?

CVE-2016-0049 was published on 2016-02-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-0049

CVE-2016-0049 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.2. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 13% places it in the 96th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-255.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 6.2)
CVSS v2: 2.1
EPSS exploit prediction: 13% (96th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-255
Affected product: Microsoft Windows 10
Published: 2016-02-10
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Kerberos in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 does not properly validate password changes, which allows remote attackers to bypass authentication by deploying a crafted Key Distribution Center (KDC) and then performing a sign-in action, aka "Windows Kerberos Security Feature Bypass."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-0049?: Kerberos in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 does not properly validate password changes, which allows remote attackers to bypass authentication by deploying a crafted Key Distribution Center (KDC) and then performing a sign-in action, aka "Windows Kerberos Security Feature Bypass."
How severe is CVE-2016-0049?: CVE-2016-0049 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.2, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2016-0049 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 13% (96th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-0049?: CVE-2016-0049 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 9 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-0049?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2016-0049 published?: CVE-2016-0049 was published on 2016-02-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (9)

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_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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