CVE-2017-0263 Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation

Exploited in the wild High 7.8 Published 12 May 2017 Updated 21 Oct 2025

Local attackers can gain elevated privileges on Microsoft Windows systems by exploiting a use-after-free flaw in kernel-mode drivers via a crafted application.

Exploited in the wild: Since 10 Feb 2022
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2017-0263?

CVE-2017-0263 is a high-severity use after free vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 1507, published on 12 May 2017. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

The kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft 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, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allow local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."

Weakness: CWE-416

Which versions are affected by CVE-2017-0263?

It affects 10 products.

Products include Microsoft Windows 10 1507, Microsoft Windows 10 1511, Microsoft Windows 10 1607, Microsoft Windows 10 1703, Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Windows 8.1 and 4 more.

How do I fix CVE-2017-0263?

No fix has been published for CVE-2017-0263 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available. US federal agencies must fix it by 10 Aug 2022.

Upgrade to the fixed version. These bugs are found with fuzzing and sanitisers and avoided by memory-safe languages. More about Use after free.

Is CVE-2017-0263 being exploited?

Yes. Attackers have exploited CVE-2017-0263 in the wild since at least 10 Feb 2022.

Public exploit code: 1 Exploit-DB entry and 1 proofs of concept on GitHub.

All Microsoft Windows 10 1507 vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-c264-rp8f-rf64.