MEDIUMPOC
CVE-2016-5237
CWE-264Published: January 23, 2017· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
4.8
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Valve Steam 3.42.16.13 uses weak permissions for the files in the Steam program directory, which allows local users to modify the files and possibly gain privileges as demonstrated by a Trojan horse Steam.exe file.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2016-5237 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires low privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2016-5237. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.Low
User InteractionRequired
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityLow
IntegrityLow
AvailabilityLow
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L
Affected Vendors & Products
valvesoftware1 product(s)
steamos
Source: NVD CPE · 1 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
POC AVAILABLEProof-of-concept code exists
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.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (4)
→
https://packetstormsecurity.com/files/137343/Valve-Steam-3.42.16.13-Local-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit · Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
https://packetstormsecurity.com/files/137343/Valve-Steam-3.42.16.13-Local-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit · Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2016-5237
CVSS Score4.8 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-264
CISA KEVNo
ExploitPOC
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedJan 23, 2017
Related CVEs (CWE-264)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2016-5237 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.