# CVE-2017-0263: Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2017-0263-microsoft-win32k-privilege-escalation-vulnerability  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2022-02-10. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2017-0263 · Severity: critical · CVSS 7.8 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2022-02-10

Microsoft Win32k kernel-mode drivers contain a use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) that allows local users to escalate privileges. An attacker can exploit this by running a specially crafted application to gain elevated system permissions.

Technologies: [Microsoft Win32K](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/win32k). Vendors: [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2017-0263 exploited in the wild?** Yes. CVE-2017-0263 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 10 February 2022. Treat it as urgent.

**How severe is CVE-2017-0263?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 10 February 2022.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2 SP1; Microsoft Windows 7 SP1; Microsoft Windows 8.1 Gold; Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Gold, R2; and 3 more.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2017-0263?** 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-2017-0263 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2017-0263?** Check whether you run Microsoft Win32K. 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 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, 1703
- Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Gold

## Timeline

- 2017-05-09: advisory: MSRC advisory published (based on BID 98258 date)
- 2022-02-10: kev added: Added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog
- 2022-02-10: disclosed: NVD publication date
- 2022-08-10: other: CISA KEV remediation due date

## Related threats

- [Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2016-0165-microsoft-win32k-privilege-escalation-vulnerability)
- [Microsoft Win32K Privilege Escalation Vulnerability](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2023-29336-microsoft-win32k-privilege-escalation-vulnerability)
- [Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2015-2360-microsoft-win32k-privilege-escalation-vulnerability)
- [Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2018-8589-microsoft-win32k-privilege-escalation-vulnerability)
- [Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2014-4113-microsoft-win32k-privilege-escalation-vulnerability)