Executive brief
A security vulnerability has been identified in the Windows Runtime, a core component of the Microsoft Windows operating system. 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 access sensitive files, install malicious software, or disrupt business operations.
Technical details
A use-after-free (UAF) vulnerability exists in the Windows Runtime (WinRT) component, tracked as CWE-416. The flaw is triggered when the system incorrectly manages memory objects, allowing an attacker to reuse a memory pointer after it has been freed. To exploit this, an attacker must have local access to the target system with low-level user privileges. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to execute code with elevated system privileges. Microsoft has released security updates to address this issue across various versions of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server.
Affected products
- Microsoft Windows 10 1809, 21H2, 22H2
- Microsoft Windows 11 24H2, 25H2, 26H1
- Microsoft Windows Server 2019 All versions
- Microsoft Windows Server 2022 All versions
Timeline
- 2026-07-14: disclosed
- 2026-07-14: advisory