Executive brief
A security vulnerability exists in the Windows Sensor Data Service, a component that manages data from hardware sensors like GPS or light sensors. 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 data, install malicious software, or disrupt operations.
Technical details
A use-after-free (CWE-416) vulnerability exists within the Windows Sensor Data Service. The flaw is triggered when the service incorrectly manages memory objects during sensor data processing, allowing an attacker to reuse a memory pointer after it has been freed. To exploit this, an attacker must have local access to the system with low-level privileges and successfully win a race condition (indicated by the High Attack Complexity). Successful exploitation allows the attacker to execute code with SYSTEM privileges. Microsoft has released security updates to address this issue across affected Windows and Windows Server versions.
Affected products
- Microsoft Windows 10 1607, 1809, 21H2, 22H2
- Microsoft Windows 11 24H2, 25H2, 26H1
- Microsoft Windows Server 2016 All versions
Timeline
- 2026-07-14: disclosed
- 2026-07-14: advisory: Microsoft published the security update guide.