Is CVE-2016-0185 actively exploited?

Yes. CVE-2016-0185 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which means exploitation in the wild has been confirmed.

Can CVE-2016-0185 be exploited remotely?

The attack vector of CVE-2016-0185 has not been classified yet.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2016-0185?

CVE-2016-0185 has not received a CVSS score yet.

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2016-0185

HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2016-0185

Published: November 3, 2021

EPSS:82.75%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:99.2th

Official Description

Microsoft Windows Media Center contains a remote code execution vulnerability when Windows Media Center opens a specially crafted Media Center link (.mcl) file that references malicious code.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

Microsoft Windows Media Center Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Microsoft Windows Media Center contains a remote code execution vulnerability when Windows Media Center opens a specially crafted Media Center link (.mcl) file that references malicious code.

Added to KEV: 2021-11-03Federal patch deadline: 2022-05-03

Required Action (CISA)

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Risk Analysis

Microsoft Windows Media Center is susceptible to a remote code execution vulnerability when opening a specially crafted Media Center link (.mcl) file. The high EPSS score of 0.82752 indicates a significant likelihood of exploitation. This vulnerability is confirmed to be actively exploited, as it is in CISA's KEV.

This vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild. Exploitation occurs when a user opens a malicious .mcl file, making it remotely exploitable through social engineering.

Recommended Action

Ensure Microsoft Windows Media Center is updated with all available security patches. Advise users to be cautious of opening untrusted .mcl files.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2016-0185 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-2016-0185 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.