Executive brief
Windows Shell, a core component of the Windows operating system responsible for managing the user interface and file system interactions, contains a use-after-free vulnerability. An authenticated attacker with local access can exploit this flaw to elevate their privileges and gain administrative control of the system, potentially compromising the entire device and any data it contains.
Technical details
This vulnerability is a use-after-free memory corruption issue in Windows Shell that can be triggered by an authenticated local attacker. The flaw allows exploitation to escalate privileges from a standard user account to SYSTEM or administrator level. The attack requires local access and prior authentication, limiting its exposure to internal threats or already-compromised accounts. A fix is available through the referenced Microsoft Security Response Center update guide.
Affected products
- Microsoft Windows
Timeline
- 2026-09-08: disclosed