How severe is CVE-2016-7300?

CVE-2016-7300 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-2016-7300 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (81st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-7300?

CVE-2016-7300 affects Microsoft Auto Updater For Mac. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-7300?

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-2016-7300 published?

CVE-2016-7300 was published on 2016-12-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-7300

CVE-2016-7300 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Auto Updater For Mac 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-426.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 4.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (81st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-426
Affected product: Microsoft Auto Updater For Mac
Published: 2016-12-20
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Untrusted search path vulnerability in Microsoft Auto Updater for Mac allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse executable file, aka "Microsoft (MAU) Office Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-7300?: Untrusted search path vulnerability in Microsoft Auto Updater for Mac allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse executable file, aka "Microsoft (MAU) Office Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
How severe is CVE-2016-7300?: CVE-2016-7300 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-2016-7300 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (81st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-7300?: CVE-2016-7300 affects Microsoft Auto Updater For Mac. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-7300?: 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-2016-7300 published?: CVE-2016-7300 was published on 2016-12-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:auto_updater_for_mac:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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