CVE-2023-36424: Microsoft Windows privilege escalation in Common Log File System Driver

CVE-2023-36424 · Severity: critical · CVSS 7.8 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2026-04-13

A security vulnerability exists in the Microsoft Windows component responsible for managing system logs. An attacker who already has basic access to a computer could exploit this flaw to gain full administrative control over the system. This type of vulnerability is often used by sophisticated actors to deepen their foothold in a network after an initial breach.

Technologies: Microsoft Windows. Vendors: Microsoft.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2023-36424 exploited in the wild?
Yes. CVE-2023-36424 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 13 April 2026. Treat it as urgent.
How severe is CVE-2023-36424?
Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 13 April 2026.
Which products and versions are affected?
Microsoft Windows Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016, 2019, 2022.
Is there a fix for CVE-2023-36424?
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-2023-36424 attacked?
It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.
Am I affected by CVE-2023-36424?
Check whether you run Microsoft Windows. 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.

Technical details

An out-of-bounds read vulnerability (CWE-125) exists in the Microsoft Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) Driver. The flaw is triggered when the driver improperly handles objects in memory, allowing a local authenticated attacker to execute code with SYSTEM privileges. While the vulnerability is categorized as an out-of-bounds read, Microsoft classifies the impact as Elevation of Privilege (EoP). This vulnerability has been observed being exploited in the wild and is included in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. Patches are available through standard Microsoft security updates.

Affected products

  • Microsoft Windows Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016, 2019, 2022

Timeline

  • 2023-11-21: disclosed: Initial disclosure by Microsoft
  • 2026-04-13: kev added: Added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog

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