CVE-2026-34342: Microsoft Windows Print Spooler race condition privilege escalation

CVE-2026-34342 · Severity: high · CVSS 7 · Published 2026-05-12

A security vulnerability exists in the Windows Print Spooler, the service responsible for managing print jobs on Microsoft Windows systems. An attacker who already has basic access to a computer could exploit a timing flaw to gain full administrative control over the device. This could allow them to view sensitive data, install malicious software, or disrupt business operations.

Technologies: Microsoft Windows Print Spooler Components. Vendors: Microsoft.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2026-34342 exploited in the wild?
No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-34342 being exploited in the wild.
How severe is CVE-2026-34342?
High severity, with a CVSS score of 7, published 12 May 2026.
Which products and versions are affected?
Microsoft Windows Print Spooler Components.
Is there a fix for CVE-2026-34342?
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-2026-34342 attacked?
It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.
Am I affected by CVE-2026-34342?
Check whether you run Microsoft Windows Print Spooler Components. 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

A race condition (CWE-362) exists within the Windows Print Spooler Components due to improper synchronization when handling shared resources. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have local access with low privileges (PR:L) and involves a high level of complexity (AC:H) to successfully time the exploit. If successful, the attacker can achieve elevated privileges, potentially reaching SYSTEM-level access, leading to a total compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability on the affected host. Microsoft has released security updates to address this issue.

Affected products

  • Microsoft Windows Print Spooler Components

Timeline

  • 2026-05-12: disclosed
  • 2026-05-12: advisory

References

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