Vulnerability record

CVE-2016-0151

Microsoft Windows CSRSS Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability

HighExploitation confirmedCISA KEV Used by ransomware

What should I do?

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog: attackers are using it. If you run Client-Server Run-time Subsystem (CSRSS), fix it now.

CISA required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

US federal civilian agencies must remediate by Apr 18, 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 Client-Server Run-time Subsystem (CSRSS) in Microsoft Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 mismanages process tokens, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows CSRSS Security Feature Bypass 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
Client-Server Run-time Subsystem (CSRSS)	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-2016-0151 scored CVSS 7.8: Microsoft Client-Server Run-time Subsystem (CSRSS), Microsoft Windows CSRSS Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
CISA lists this as exploited in the wild and known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Unpatched Client-Server Run-time Subsystem (CSRSS) systems are exposed to active attacks now.
Basis: NIST National Vulnerability Database
Patch releasedUpdateKEVSep 30, 2026
Patch released for CVE-2016-0151: Microsoft Client-Server Run-time Subsystem (CSRSS), Microsoft Windows CSRSS Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
An official fix is now available for Microsoft Client-Server Run-time Subsystem (CSRSS). 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-2016-0151
securitytracker.com http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1035544
docs.microsoft.com https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2016/ms16-048
exploit-db.com https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/39740/
cisa.gov https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2016-0151