Vulnerability record

CVE-2012-0151

Microsoft Windows Authenticode Signature Verification Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

HighExploitation confirmedCISA KEV

What should I do?

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog: attackers are using it. If you run Windows, fix it now.

CISA required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

US federal civilian agencies must remediate by Jun 22, 2022.

Patch status

Official fix available since Sep 30, 2026

Apply the vendor's update to every affected system. Check the fixed-in versions below where known.

Basis: NVD patch reference

Patch or advisory on docs.microsoft.com (opens in a new tab)

Description

The Authenticode Signature Verification function in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2, and R2 SP1, Windows 7 Gold and SP1, and Windows 8 Consumer Preview does not properly validate the digest of a signed portable executable (PE) file, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a modified file with additional content, aka "WinVerifyTrust Signature Validation Vulnerability."

Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database. Official vulnerability data, reproduced as published.

Affected products

Products affected by this vulnerability, with versions and the source of each entry
Product	Vendor	Source
Windows	Microsoft	KEV

Sources: KEV = CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Version details have not been published yet.

Intelligence timeline

Developments from the last 30 days, newest first.

CVSS scoredUpdateKEVSep 30, 2026
CVE-2012-0151 scored CVSS 7.8: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Windows Authenticode Signature Verification Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
CISA lists this as exploited in the wild. Unpatched Windows systems are exposed to active attacks now.
Basis: NIST National Vulnerability Database
Patch releasedUpdateKEVSep 30, 2026
Patch released for CVE-2012-0151: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Windows Authenticode Signature Verification Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
An official fix is now available for Microsoft Windows. This vulnerability is being exploited, so apply it promptly.
Basis: NVD patch reference

1 earlier event is available with a subscription. See plans.

Coverage

We have not published a story about this vulnerability yet.

References

nvd.nist.gov https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2012-0151
osvdb.org http://osvdb.org/81135
secunia.com http://secunia.com/advisories/48581
securitytracker.com http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1026906
us-cert.gov http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA12-101A.html
docs.microsoft.com https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2012/ms12-024
oval.cisecurity.org https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A15594
cisa.gov https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2012-0151