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8.8
CVE-2019-1144: Windows font library can let attackers run code
CVE-2019-1144 · published 7 years ago
Summary
Windows 7, 8.1, 10, RT 8.1, and Server 2008 may let a malicious font cause the system to execute any program. An attacker could gain the same rights as the logged‑in user, potentially installing software, changing data, or creating new admin accounts. Apply the latest Windows security update to fix the font handling and avoid opening unknown documents or visiting untrusted websites.
What to do
The CVE record does not list a fixed version. Check the vendor's site or the advisory links below - a fix may already be released.
Affected software
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions |
|---|---|---|
| microsoft | windows_10 |
1607 1703 1709 1803 1809 1903 cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:* |
| microsoft | windows_7 |
All versions
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_7:-:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:* |
| microsoft | windows_8.1 |
All versions
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_8.1:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:* |
| microsoft | windows_rt_8.1 |
All versions
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_rt_8.1:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:* |
| microsoft | windows_server_2008 |
r2 cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:-:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:* |
| microsoft | windows_server_2012 |
r2 cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2012:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:* |
| microsoft | windows_server_2016 |
1803 1903 cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2016:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:* |
| microsoft | windows_server_2019 |
All versions
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2019:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:* |
Original advisory text
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows font library improperly handles specially crafted embedded fonts. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could take c...
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows font library improperly handles specially crafted embedded fonts. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could take control of the affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
There are multiple ways an attacker could exploit the vulnerability:
In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a specially crafted website that is designed to exploit the vulnerability and then convince users to view the website. An attacker would have no way to force users to view the attacker-controlled content. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to take action, typically by getting them to click a link in an email or instant message that takes users to the attacker's website, or by opening an attachment sent through email.
In a file-sharing attack scenario, an attacker could provide a specially crafted document file designed to exploit the vulnerability and then convince users to open the document file.
The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the Windows font library handles embedded fonts.
There are multiple ways an attacker could exploit the vulnerability:
In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a specially crafted website that is designed to exploit the vulnerability and then convince users to view the website. An attacker would have no way to force users to view the attacker-controlled content. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to take action, typically by getting them to click a link in an email or instant message that takes users to the attacker's website, or by opening an attachment sent through email.
In a file-sharing attack scenario, an attacker could provide a specially crafted document file designed to exploit the vulnerability and then convince users to open the document file.
The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the Windows font library handles embedded fonts.
References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/154085/Microsoft-Font-Subsetting-DLL-MergeF... Third Party Advisory VDB Entry
- https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2019-1144 Patch Vendor Advisory
Internet-facing
14 days
Internal
At next upgrade
- Not known to be exploited
- Needs hands-on effort to exploit (estimated)
- Gives an attacker full control (estimated)
Type
CWE-415Double Free
Timeline
Published14 Aug 2019
Updated22 Oct 2026
First seen29 Sep 2026
Sources
CVE-2019-1144 · NVD
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