CVE-2016-3213

CVE-2016-3213 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 70% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-264.

Key facts

Description

The Web Proxy Auto Discovery (WPAD) protocol implementation in 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, Windows 10 Gold and 1511, and Internet Explorer 9 through 11 has an improper fallback mechanism, which allows remote attackers to gain privileges via NetBIOS name responses, aka "WPAD Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-3213?
The Web Proxy Auto Discovery (WPAD) protocol implementation in 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, Windows 10 Gold and 1511, and Internet Explorer 9 through 11 has an improper fallback mechanism, which allows remote attackers to gain privileges via NetBIOS name responses, aka "WPAD Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
How severe is CVE-2016-3213?
CVE-2016-3213 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2016-3213 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 70% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-3213?
CVE-2016-3213 primarily affects Microsoft Internet Explorer. In total, 13 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-3213?
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-2016-3213 published?
CVE-2016-3213 was published on 2016-06-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (13)

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