Executive brief
A security vulnerability has been identified in the Windows Runtime, a core component of the Windows operating system that allows applications to interact with the system. An attacker who already has basic access to a computer could exploit this flaw to gain higher-level administrative permissions. This could allow them to bypass security restrictions, access sensitive data, or install malicious software that would otherwise be blocked.
Technical details
This vulnerability is a race condition (CWE-362) and use-after-free (CWE-416) issue within the Windows Runtime (WinRT). An authorized attacker with low-privileged local access can exploit improper synchronization of shared resources during concurrent execution. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to elevate privileges to a higher level, potentially gaining SYSTEM-level access. The attack requires high complexity due to the timing requirements of the race condition but does not require user interaction. 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 10.0.26100.0 to 10.0.26100.8875
- Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 10.0.26200.0 to 10.0.26200.8875
- Microsoft Windows 11 version 26H1 10.0.28000.0 to 10.0.28000.2269
- Microsoft Windows Server 2025 10.0.26100.0 to 10.0.26100.33158
Timeline
- 2026-07-14: disclosed
- 2026-07-14: advisory