Executive brief
A security vulnerability exists in the Windows component responsible for managing printer associations. An attacker who already has basic access to a computer could exploit a timing issue to gain higher-level administrative privileges. This could allow them to take full control of the system, access sensitive data, or disrupt operations. Microsoft has released security updates to address this issue.
Technical details
A race condition (CWE-362) exists in the Printer Association Object within Microsoft Windows due to improper synchronization when accessing shared resources. The vulnerability requires a local attacker to have low-level authenticated access (PR:L) and involves a high complexity (AC:H) timing-based exploit. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to achieve local privilege escalation, gaining full system access (C:H/I:H/A:H). The issue affects various versions of Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022/2025, and Microsoft has provided patches via the MSRC update guide.
Affected products
- Microsoft Windows 11 Version 24H2 10.0.26100.0 to 10.0.26100.7623
- Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 10.0.26200.0 to 10.0.26200.7623
- Microsoft Windows Server 2022, 23H2 Edition (Server Core installation) 10.0.25398.0 to 10.0.25398.2092
- Microsoft Windows Server 2025 10.0.26100.0 to 10.0.26100.32230
Timeline
- 2026-01-13: disclosed
- 2026-01-13: advisory