CVEs / CVE-2016-7256

CVE-2016-7256: Microsoft Windows Open Type Font Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Known exploited in the CISA KEV catalog since 25 May 2022
high 8.8 CVSS 3.1 (NVD)
EPSS 64.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 99% of CVEs (30 Oct 2026)
Last changed at its sources 17 Jun 2026

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Summary

A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows font library improperly handles specially crafted embedded fonts. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could take control of the affected system.
CISA, Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog

Description

atmfd.dll in the Windows font library 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, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, and 1607, and Windows Server 2016 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site, aka "Open Type Font Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
The CVE record, via NVD · published 10 Nov 2016 · NVD status: Analyzed

Affected and fixed versions

As stated by the CVE record (from the CNA)
Product	Affected	Fixed in
n/a n/a	n/a	—

Exploitation

In CISA KEV since	25 May 2022
Due date for US federal agencies	15 Jun 2022
Used in ransomware campaigns	Unknown
Required action	Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Severity

CVSS 3.1	8.8 high `CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H` Scored by NVD

References

CVE-2016-7256 on NVD
CVE-2016-7256 in the CISA KEV catalog
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/94156 Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037243 Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2016/ms16-132 Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://twitter.com/da5ch0/status/820161895269277696 Broken Link
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2016-7256 US Government Resource

Sources

Exploitation status from the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. EPSS scores from FIRST. Descriptions, severity and references from the National Vulnerability Database. Open-source package versions from OSV (CC-BY 4.0). Text is shown as each source states it; Stackurity does not edit it. Check the vendor's advisory before acting.

This product uses data from the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD.