How severe is CVE-2016-3238?

CVE-2016-3238 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2016-3238 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 35% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-3238?

CVE-2016-3238 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-2016-3238?

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-2016-3238 published?

CVE-2016-3238 was published on 2016-07-13 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-3238

CVE-2016-3238 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 35% places it in the 98th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-254.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.1)
CVSS v2: 9.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 35% (98th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-254
Affected product: Microsoft Windows 10
Published: 2016-07-13
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The Print Spooler service 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, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 allows man-in-the-middle attackers to execute arbitrary code by providing a crafted print driver during printer installation, aka "Windows Print Spooler Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-3238?: The Print Spooler service 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, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 allows man-in-the-middle attackers to execute arbitrary code by providing a crafted print driver during printer installation, aka "Windows Print Spooler Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
How severe is CVE-2016-3238?: CVE-2016-3238 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2016-3238 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 35% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-3238?: CVE-2016-3238 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-2016-3238?: 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-2016-3238 published?: CVE-2016-3238 was published on 2016-07-13 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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