External risk intelligence

Microsoft Windows Font Library Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2016-7256

A vulnerability in the Windows font library allows attackers to execute arbitrary code through crafted web content. This could lead to unauthorized code execution and compromise of system integrity for organizations using vulnerable Windows versions. The business risk involves potential system compromise through malici

3Halo Surface Signal

Remote Code Execution

Microsoft Windows 10 1507

r2

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2016-7256

The vulnerability involves the Windows font library processing crafted fonts, which requires user interaction such as visiting a malicious website or opening a specially crafted document. While it can be triggered by internet-based content, it is not an internet-facing service, gateway, or management portal that is publicly reachable by design.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The Windows font library, specifically the atmfd.dll component, contains a vulnerability that can be exploited through specially crafted web content. This flaw allows for the potential execution of arbitrary code on affected systems. The impact could involve unauthorized code execution and a compromise of system integrity for organizations utilizing vulnerable Windows versions.

  • Vulnerable Windows font library
  • Flaw allows arbitrary code execution
  • Business impact: system compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by directing an organization's systems to a specially crafted website. The Windows font library's handling of embedded fonts can be exploited. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to gain control of the affected system, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

  • Exposure via a crafted web site.
  • Attacker directs user to malicious site.
  • Trigger opens malicious font, gains control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability affects the Windows font library and could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code. Attackers could leverage this by tricking users into visiting a crafted website or opening a malicious document. Successful exploitation could lead to the compromise of affected systems, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

  • Likely attacker skill: Low
  • Required access: User interaction
  • Business risk: High urgency

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in the Windows font library could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code. Organizations should take action to identify and address affected systems to mitigate potential business risks.

  • Find systems processing Windows fonts.
  • Isolate systems or reduce exposure.
  • Apply vendor updates, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Windows font library and its role in CVE-2016-7256?

The Windows font library, specifically the atmfd.dll component, is a part of Microsoft Windows responsible for rendering fonts. In CVE-2016-7256, a flaw in how this library processes specially crafted embedded fonts can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on a system.

How does CVE-2016-7256 allow attackers to run code?

This vulnerability is a type of remote code execution flaw. Attackers can exploit it by tricking a user into visiting a malicious website that contains specially crafted font data. When the Windows font library attempts to process this data, it can lead to the execution of attacker-controlled code.

What actions must a user take for this vulnerability to be triggered?

For this vulnerability to be triggered, a user must interact with malicious content. Specifically, an attacker needs to direct the user to a specially crafted web page. Simply having the vulnerable software or being connected to the internet is not enough; user interaction is a necessary precondition.

How might this vulnerability affect my organization's systems?

This vulnerability is classified as having possible exposure, meaning it could affect systems accessible via the internet or internal networks. If exploited, an attacker could gain control of the affected system, potentially compromising data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

What is the first step to address this vulnerability on my systems?

The initial step is to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of Windows that process Windows fonts. Once identified, consider isolating these systems or reducing their exposure where possible, and prioritize applying vendor-provided security updates to remediate the flaw.

References