CVE-2019-1439: Windows GDI memory disclosure information disclosure flaw

Automated analysis

Generated by VULONE's analysis model from the NVD record, CISA KEV and EPSS data on 18 September 2026. Confidence: medium.

high priorityHigh EPSS (0.754, ~99.5th percentile) signals elevated exploitation likelihood, and the flaw affects a broad set of widely deployed Windows versions, though it is not in KEV and requires user interaction.

What it is

The Windows Graphics Device Interface (GDI) component improperly discloses the contents of its memory, leaking data that should not be readable. Because GDI is a core Windows subsystem present across desktop and server releases, the flaw affects a broad install base and can expose sensitive in-memory content.

Impact

An attacker who gets a victim to open crafted content can read portions of GDI memory, potentially exposing sensitive data from the process or system. The CVSS vector rates confidentiality impact as High with no integrity or availability effect.

Attack surface

Reached over the network (AV:N) with no privileges required (PR:N), but exploitation requires user interaction (UI:R), meaning the victim must open or view attacker-supplied content that triggers the GDI parsing path. No authentication is needed.

Exploitation

Not listed in CISA KEV and no public exploit or ransomware use is documented in the record. EPSS is high (0.754, ~99.5th percentile), indicating elevated predicted likelihood of exploitation activity despite the absence of confirmed in-the-wild use.

What to do

• Apply the Microsoft security update for CVE-2019-1439 via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog; this is the primary fix.
• Prioritize patching internet-facing and multi-user systems (RDP/terminal servers, remote access hosts) where GDI content is processed.
• Enforce email and web filtering to block untrusted documents and media that could trigger GDI parsing.
• Reduce exposure by limiting use of untrusted content on unpatched legacy systems (Windows 7, 8.1, Server 2008/2012) until they can be updated.
• Track patch compliance for all listed Windows client and server versions and remediate stragglers.

Detection

• Monitor for unexpected crashes or faults in GDI-related processes (win32k, gdi32) that may accompany memory disclosure attempts.
• Hunt for document or media files delivered from external sources that are opened on unpatched hosts, correlating with process creation of GDI-consuming applications.
• Review endpoint telemetry for anomalous reads or data exfiltration patterns from processes rendering untrusted content.
• Audit patch state of Windows 7, 8.1, RT 8.1, 10 and Server 2008/2012/2016/2019 to confirm the update is installed.

This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.