How severe is CVE-2016-7224?

CVE-2016-7224 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.1, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity high, and availability none.

Is CVE-2016-7224 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (90th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-7224?

CVE-2016-7224 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 8 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-7224?

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

When was CVE-2016-7224 published?

CVE-2016-7224 was published on 2016-11-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-7224

CVE-2016-7224 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.1. 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-284.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 6.1)
CVSS v2: 3.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 4% (90th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-284
Affected product: Microsoft Windows 10
Published: 2016-11-10
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Virtual Hard Disk Driver in Microsoft Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, and 1607, and Windows Server 2016 does not properly restrict access to files, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "VHD Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-7224?: Virtual Hard Disk Driver in Microsoft Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, and 1607, and Windows Server 2016 does not properly restrict access to files, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "VHD Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
How severe is CVE-2016-7224?: CVE-2016-7224 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.1, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2016-7224 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (90th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-7224?: CVE-2016-7224 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 10. In total, 8 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-7224?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2016-7224 published?: CVE-2016-7224 was published on 2016-11-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (8)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:1511:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:1607:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_8.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_rt_8.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2012:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2012:r2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2016:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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