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CVE-2016-3236: The Web Proxy Auto Discovery (WPAD) protocol implementation in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server…

CVE-2016-3236 is rated critical with a CVSS v3.0 base score of 9.8 and affects Microsoft Windows 10. Per its scoring, it can be exploited over the network, without authentication, without any user interaction. The scored impact on confidentiality, integrity and availability is the highest available.

Vulnerability description

The Web Proxy Auto Discovery (WPAD) protocol implementation 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, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 mishandles proxy discovery, which allows remote attackers to redirect network traffic via unspecified vectors, aka "Windows WPAD Proxy Discovery Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."

Severity breakdown

CVSS v3.0 9.8: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

  • Attack vector: Network. Exploitable remotely over the network, with no need for local or physical access.
  • Attack complexity: Low. No special conditions; the attack can be repeated reliably.
  • Privileges required: None. No account or prior access is needed.
  • User interaction: None. No action from any user is needed.
  • Scope: Unchanged. Impact stays within the vulnerable component.
  • Confidentiality impact: High. Total loss of confidentiality; sensitive data can be fully disclosed.
  • Integrity impact: High. Total loss of integrity; data or system state can be fully modified.
  • Availability impact: High. Total loss of availability; the component can be shut down.

Affected products

  • Microsoft Windows 10: all versions listed by NVD; 1511
  • Microsoft Windows 7: all versions listed by NVD
  • Microsoft Windows 8.1: all versions listed by NVD
  • Microsoft Windows Rt 8.1: all versions listed by NVD
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2008: all versions listed by NVD; r2 sp1
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2012: all versions listed by NVD; r2
  • Microsoft Windows Vista: all versions listed by NVD

References