Executive brief
A security vulnerability exists in the Windows kernel component responsible for graphics and window management. An attacker who already has basic access to a computer could exploit this flaw to gain full administrative control over the system. This could allow them to view sensitive data, install malicious software, or disrupt business operations.
Technical details
This vulnerability is classified as an untrusted pointer dereference (CWE-822) within the Win32K - ICOMP component of the Windows kernel. The flaw occurs when the system fails to properly validate a pointer provided by a user-mode application before dereferencing it in kernel mode. An attacker with low-privileged local access can exploit this by executing a specially crafted application to trigger the dereference, leading to local privilege escalation (LPE). Successful exploitation grants the attacker SYSTEM-level privileges. Microsoft has released security updates to address this issue across affected versions of Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025.
Affected products
- Microsoft Windows 11 Version 24H2 up to (excluding) 10.0.26100.8246
- Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 up to (excluding) 10.0.26200.8246
- Microsoft Windows 11 version 26H1 up to (excluding) 10.0.28000.1836
- Microsoft Windows Server 2025 up to (excluding) 10.0.26100.32690
Timeline
- 2026-04-14: disclosed
- 2026-04-14: advisory: Microsoft published the security update guide.