CVE-2017-8541
CVE-2017-8541 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Forefront Security with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 50% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-119.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
- CVSS v2: 9.3
- EPSS exploit prediction: 50% (99th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-119
- Affected product: Microsoft Forefront Security
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
The Microsoft Malware Protection Engine running on Microsoft Forefront and Microsoft Defender on Microsoft 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, 1511, 1607, and 1703, and Windows Server 2016, Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 and 2016, does not properly scan a specially crafted file leading to memory corruption. aka "Microsoft Malware Protection Engine Remote Code Execution Vulnerability", a different vulnerability than CVE-2017-8538 and CVE-2017-8540.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2017-8541?
- The Microsoft Malware Protection Engine running on Microsoft Forefront and Microsoft Defender on Microsoft 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, 1511, 1607, and 1703, and Windows Server 2016, Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 and 2016, does not properly scan a specially crafted file leading to memory corruption. aka "Microsoft Malware Protection Engine Remote Code Execution Vulnerability", a different vulnerability than CVE-2017-8538 and CVE-2017-8540.
- How severe is CVE-2017-8541?
- CVE-2017-8541 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2017-8541 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 50% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2017-8541?
- CVE-2017-8541 primarily affects Microsoft Forefront Security. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2017-8541?
- 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-2017-8541 published?
- CVE-2017-8541 was published on 2017-05-26 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/98710
- http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1038571
- https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2017-8541
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/42092/
Affected products (3)
- cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:forefront_security:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:malware_protection_engine:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:windows_defender:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
More vulnerabilities in Microsoft Forefront Security
- CVE-2006-5270 — Critical (CVSS 9.3): Integer overflow in the Microsoft Malware Protection Engine (mpengine.dll), as used by Windows Live OneCare, Antigen,…
- CVE-2017-8540 — High (CVSS 7.8): The Microsoft Malware Protection Engine running on Microsoft Forefront and Microsoft Defender on Microsoft Windows…
- CVE-2017-8538 — High (CVSS 7.8): The Microsoft Malware Protection Engine running on Microsoft Forefront and Microsoft Defender on Microsoft Windows…
- CVE-2017-0290 — High (CVSS 7.8): The Microsoft Malware Protection Engine running on Microsoft Forefront and Microsoft Defender on Microsoft Windows…
- CVE-2017-8542 — Medium (CVSS 5.5): The Microsoft Malware Protection Engine running on Microsoft Forefront and Microsoft Defender on Microsoft Windows…
- CVE-2017-8539 — Medium (CVSS 5.5): The Microsoft Malware Protection Engine running on Microsoft Forefront and Microsoft Defender on Microsoft Windows…
All CVEs affecting Microsoft Forefront Security →
Other CWE-119 (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer) vulnerabilities
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- CVE-2026-2776 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Sandbox escape due to incorrect boundary conditions in the Telemetry component in External Software. This vulnerability…
- CVE-2025-1866 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer vulnerability in warmcat libwebsockets allows…
- CVE-2022-27625 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): A vulnerability regarding improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer is found in the…
- CVE-2022-27624 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): A vulnerability regarding improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer is found in the…
- CVE-2020-11896 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): The Treck TCP/IP stack before 6.0.1.66 allows Remote Code Execution, related to IPv4 tunneling.