CRITICAL
CVE-2012-1851
CWE-134Published: August 15, 2012· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
10.0
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Format string vulnerability in the Print Spooler service in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2, and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 Gold and SP1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted response, aka "Print Spooler Service Format String Vulnerability."
Technical Analysis
CVE-2012-1851 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityC
IntegrityC
AvailabilityC
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
Affected Vendors & Products
Microsoft5 product(s)
windows 7windows server 2003windows server 2008windows vistawindows xp
Source: NVD CPE · 6 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
All References (6)
→
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA12-227A.htmlUS Government Resource
→
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA12-227A.htmlUS Government Resource
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2012-1851
CVSS Score10.0 / 10
SeverityCRITICAL
WeaknessCWE-134
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedAug 15, 2012
Related CVEs (CWE-134)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2012-1851 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.