How severe is CVE-2016-5720?

CVE-2016-5720 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-2016-5720 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (77th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-5720?

CVE-2016-5720 affects Microsoft Skype. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-5720?

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-2016-5720 published?

CVE-2016-5720 was published on 2017-01-23 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-5720

CVE-2016-5720 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Skype 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. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-264.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (77th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-264
Affected product: Microsoft Skype
Published: 2017-01-23
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Multiple untrusted search path vulnerabilities in Microsoft Skype allow local users to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse (1) msi.dll, (2) dpapi.dll, or (3) cryptui.dll that is located in the current working directory.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-5720?: Multiple untrusted search path vulnerabilities in Microsoft Skype allow local users to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse (1) msi.dll, (2) dpapi.dll, or (3) cryptui.dll that is located in the current working directory.
How severe is CVE-2016-5720?: CVE-2016-5720 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-2016-5720 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (77th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-5720?: CVE-2016-5720 affects Microsoft Skype. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-5720?: 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-2016-5720 published?: CVE-2016-5720 was published on 2017-01-23 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:skype:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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