Executive brief
A security vulnerability exists in the Windows Storage component, which manages how the operating system handles data on disks and drives. 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 view sensitive files, install malicious software, or disrupt business operations.
Technical details
This vulnerability is a use-after-free (CWE-416) combined with a race condition (CWE-362) within the Windows Storage component. An attacker with low-privileged local access can exploit improper synchronization during concurrent execution to manipulate memory after it has been freed. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to execute code with elevated system privileges. The attack requires a local presence and has a high complexity (AC:H) due to the timing requirements of the race condition. Microsoft has released security updates to address this issue across affected Windows and Windows Server versions.
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: Initial publication by Microsoft and NVD
- 2026-07-14: advisory: Microsoft Security Update Guide published