CVE-2016-7182 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Graphics component 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; Office 2007 SP3; Office 2010 SP2; Word Viewer; Skype for Business 2016; Lync 2013 SP1; Lync 2010; Lync 2010 Attendee; and Live Meeting 2007 Console allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted True Type font, aka "True Type Font Parsing Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-7182 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Microsoft's Graphics component that affects multiple operating systems and applications. This vulnerability specifically targets the parsing mechanism of True Type fonts, which are fundamental components used for text rendering across Windows platforms. The flaw exists in how the system processes maliciously crafted font files, creating an execution path that allows unprivileged attackers to escalate their privileges to system level access. The vulnerability impacts a broad range of Microsoft products including various Windows versions from Vista through Windows 10, along with Office applications and communication platforms like Skype for Business and Lync. This extensive scope demonstrates the widespread nature of the font parsing vulnerability that could be exploited across different deployment scenarios and user environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of True Type font files that contain malicious code structures designed to trigger buffer overflows or other memory corruption issues during the font rendering process. When a user opens a document or accesses a webpage containing the crafted font, the Graphics component attempts to parse the font file, which leads to memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically relates to improper input validation and memory handling within the font parsing libraries that Microsoft uses for graphics rendering across its software ecosystem. This flaw falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite memory locations that control program execution flow. The vulnerability can be exploited through multiple attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious documents that contain the specially crafted fonts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can provide attackers with complete system compromise and persistent access to target environments. Once elevated to system privileges, attackers can install malware, modify system files, establish backdoors, and access sensitive data without detection. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered automatically when users open documents or view web content, making it suitable for zero-day attacks that can compromise systems without user interaction. The attack surface is significantly broadened by the inclusion of Office applications and communication platforms, meaning that exploitation could occur through email messages, document sharing, or collaborative software usage. Security professionals must consider that this vulnerability could be weaponized in advanced persistent threat campaigns where attackers seek long-term access to enterprise networks through initial compromise via font-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7182 require comprehensive system hardening measures and immediate patch management deployment. Microsoft released security updates that address the font parsing vulnerability through improved input validation and memory handling within the Graphics component. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the applicable security patches across all affected systems, including servers, desktops, and mobile devices. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by restricting the execution of potentially malicious font files. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual font file processing activities and anomalous privilege escalation events that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for local privilege escalation and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation, making it a critical target for security teams implementing threat hunting and incident response procedures. Regular security assessments should include verification of font handling behaviors and monitoring for suspicious file execution patterns to prevent successful exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.