CVE-2016-7255

A Microsoft Win32k kernel-mode driver flaw allowed privilege escalation to kernel-mode code execution.

The Win32k driver mishandled memory objects, enabling attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary kernel code. DIB organizations must ensure all Windows systems are patched against this actively exploited vulnerability to prevent lateral movement and data exfiltration. This failure highlights the risk of relying on unpatched OS components in high-assurance environments.

Shame score — A critical kernel-mode vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild for years before patching, demonstrating severe negligence in patch management and threat intelligence.