Executive brief
A security vulnerability exists in the Windows Kernel, the core component of the Microsoft Windows operating system. An attacker who already has limited 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 (CWE-416) exists in the Windows Kernel. The flaw is triggered when the kernel attempts to use a memory pointer after it has been freed, which can be exploited by a local attacker to execute code with elevated privileges. While the attack vector is local, the CVSS metric indicates high complexity and requires user interaction. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to gain SYSTEM-level privileges on affected Windows 10, 11, and Server versions. Microsoft has released security updates to address this issue.
Affected products
- Microsoft Windows 10 Version 21H2 10.0.19044.0 to 10.0.19044.7548
- Microsoft Windows 10 Version 22H2 10.0.19045.0 to 10.0.19045.7548
- 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 2022 10.0.20348.0 to 10.0.20348.5386
- Microsoft Windows Server 2025 10.0.26100.0 to 10.0.26100.33158
Timeline
- 2026-07-14: disclosed
- 2026-07-14: advisory