Executive brief
A security vulnerability exists in the Windows Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Enclave, a feature designed to protect sensitive data and code from the rest of the operating system. An attacker who already has basic access to a computer could exploit this flaw to gain higher-level administrative privileges. This could allow them to bypass security boundaries, potentially leading to full control over the affected system and its protected data.
Technical details
A vulnerability classified as an untrusted pointer dereference (CWE-822) exists within the Microsoft Windows Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Enclave. The flaw allows a locally authenticated attacker with low privileges to trigger the dereference of an untrusted pointer, leading to an elevation of privilege. The attack vector is local, requiring the attacker to execute code on the target system, but no user interaction is required. Successful exploitation could grant the attacker high-level system permissions, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Microsoft has released security updates to address this issue across affected Windows 11 versions.
Affected products
- Microsoft Windows 11 Version 23H2 up to (excluding) 10.0.22631.6491
- Microsoft Windows 11 Version 24H2 up to (excluding) 10.0.26100.7623
- Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 up to (excluding) 10.0.26200.7623
Timeline
- 2026-01-13: disclosed
- 2026-01-13: advisory