CVE-2016-0099
Published: March 3, 2022
Official Description
A privilege escalation vulnerability exists in Microsoft Windows if the Windows Secondary Logon Service fails to properly manage request handles in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code as an administrator.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Windows Secondary Logon Service Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
A privilege escalation vulnerability exists in Microsoft Windows if the Windows Secondary Logon Service fails to properly manage request handles in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code as an administrator.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
This vulnerability in Microsoft Windows' Secondary Logon Service allows for privilege escalation if it fails to properly manage request handles in memory. An attacker could run arbitrary code as an administrator. Its high EPSS score of 0.90431 indicates a very high likelihood of exploitation, making it an urgent concern. The fact that it is in CISA's KEV catalog confirms it has been actively exploited.
This vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's KEV catalog, indicating confirmed real-world exploitation. This is a local privilege escalation vulnerability.
Apply the latest security updates and patches for Microsoft Windows to address this privilege escalation vulnerability. Ensure the Windows Secondary Logon Service is properly configured and monitored.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2016-0099 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2016-0099 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2016-0099 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1