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

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2016-7256-microsoft-windows-open-type-font-remote-code-execution  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2022-05-25. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2016-7256 · Severity: critical · CVSS 8.8 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2022-05-25

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the Windows font library (atmfd.dll) when improperly handling specially crafted embedded Open Type fonts. An attacker could exploit this by hosting a malicious website, potentially gaining full control of the affected system.

Technologies: [Microsoft Windows](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows). Vendors: [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2016-7256 exploited in the wild?** Yes. CVE-2016-7256 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 25 May 2022. Treat it as urgent.

**How severe is CVE-2016-7256?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 25 May 2022.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Microsoft Windows Vista SP2; Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2 SP1; Microsoft Windows 7 SP1; Microsoft Windows 8.1 Gold; and 4 more.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2016-7256?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2016-7256 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2016-7256?** Check whether you run Microsoft Windows. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Affected products

- Microsoft Windows Vista SP2
- Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2 SP1
- Microsoft Windows 7 SP1
- Microsoft Windows 8.1 Gold
- Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Gold, R2
- Microsoft Windows RT 8.1 Gold
- Microsoft Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607
- Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Gold

## Timeline

- 2016-11-08: advisory: Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-132 published.
- 2022-05-25: kev added: Added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog.
- 2022-05-25: disclosed: NVD publication date.

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