CVE-2016-7256 Microsoft Windows Open Type Font Remote Code Execution

Exploited in the wild High 8.8 Published 10 Nov 2016 Updated 21 Oct 2025

Remote attackers can execute arbitrary code via a crafted website exploiting the Windows font library, affecting multiple Windows versions.

Exploited in the wild: Since 25 May 2022
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: A user has to click or open something
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2016-7256?

CVE-2016-7256 is a high-severity code injection vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 1507, published on 10 Nov 2016. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official description

atmfd.dll in the Windows font library in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, and 1607, and Windows Server 2016 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site, aka "Open Type Font Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."

Which versions are affected by CVE-2016-7256?

It affects 10 products.

Products include Microsoft Windows 10 1507, Microsoft Windows 10 1511, Microsoft Windows 10 1607, Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Windows 8.1, Microsoft Windows Rt 8.1 and 4 more.

How do I fix CVE-2016-7256?

No fix has been published for CVE-2016-7256 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available. US federal agencies must fix it by 15 Jun 2022.

Upgrade, and never evaluate templates, expressions or code built from user input. More about Code injection.

Is CVE-2016-7256 being exploited?

Yes. Attackers have exploited CVE-2016-7256 in the wild since at least 25 May 2022.

All Microsoft Windows 10 1507 vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-cx4j-72f6-rmxr.