Executive brief
A security vulnerability has been identified in the Microsoft Windows Kernel, the core component of the 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 data, install malicious software, or disrupt business operations.
Technical details
A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122) exists in the Windows Kernel. The flaw allows a locally authenticated attacker with low privileges to execute code in kernel mode. By successfully exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can gain SYSTEM privileges, effectively taking full control of the affected host. The attack requires local access but no user interaction. 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 Version 1809 10.0.17763.0 to 10.0.17763.9020
- 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 2019 10.0.17763.0 to 10.0.17763.9020
- Microsoft Windows Server 2022 10.0.20348.0 to 10.0.20348.5386
Timeline
- 2026-07-14: advisory: Initial publication by Microsoft and NVD
- 2026-07-14: patched: Security updates made available via Microsoft Update Guide