Executive brief
A security vulnerability has been identified in the Windows Kernel, the 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 restricted data, disable security software, or install persistent malware.
Technical details
This vulnerability involves a NULL pointer dereference (CWE-476) and a Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) race condition (CWE-367) within the Windows Kernel. The flaw requires an attacker to have local access to the target system with low-level user privileges. By successfully exploiting the race condition, an attacker can trigger the null pointer dereference to gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2012. Microsoft has released security updates to address this issue.
Affected products
- Microsoft Windows 10 1607, 1809, 21H2, 22H2
- Microsoft Windows 11 24H2, 25H2, 26H1
- Microsoft Windows Server 2012 All editions
Timeline
- 2026-07-14: disclosed
- 2026-07-14: advisory