Is CVE-2016-3235 actively exploited?

Yes. CVE-2016-3235 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which means exploitation in the wild has been confirmed.

Can CVE-2016-3235 be exploited remotely?

The attack vector of CVE-2016-3235 has not been classified yet.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2016-3235?

CVE-2016-3235 has not received a CVSS score yet.

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2016-3235

HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2016-3235

Published: November 3, 2021

EPSS:81.16%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:99.1th

Official Description

Microsoft Office Object Linking & Embedding (OLE) dynamic link library (DLL) contains a side loading vulnerability due to it improperly validating input before loading libraries. Successful exploitation allows for remote code execution.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

Microsoft Office OLE DLL Side Loading Vulnerability

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

Required Action (CISA)

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Risk Analysis

Microsoft Office's Object Linking & Embedding (OLE) DLL is vulnerable to a side-loading attack, enabling remote code execution due to improper input validation. With an EPSS score of 0.81164 and confirmed exploitation, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to users of Microsoft Office.

This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's KEV catalog, confirming its use by attackers. The remote code execution capability makes it a high-priority threat.

Recommended Action

Apply all available security updates for Microsoft Office to address this DLL side-loading vulnerability. Implement robust endpoint protection and user awareness training to prevent the execution of malicious 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-2016-3235 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-2016-3235 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.