CVE-2026-70241: Windows Kerberos use-after-free privilege escalation

CVE-2026-70241 · Severity: high · CVSS 7 · Published 2026-10-13

Windows Kerberos, a component that authenticates user identities across corporate networks, contains a use-after-free vulnerability that allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges on the local system. An attacker with valid credentials could exploit this flaw to gain administrative access and take complete control of an affected device.

Technologies: Microsoft Windows Kerberos. Vendors: Microsoft.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2026-70241 exploited in the wild?
No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-70241 being exploited in the wild.
How severe is CVE-2026-70241?
High severity, with a CVSS score of 7, published 13 October 2026.
Which products and versions are affected?
Microsoft Windows Kerberos.
Is there a fix for CVE-2026-70241?
No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.
How is CVE-2026-70241 attacked?
It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.
Am I affected by CVE-2026-70241?
Check whether you run Microsoft Windows Kerberos. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

Technical details

A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the Windows Kerberos authentication component, allowing an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges. The vulnerability requires prior authentication to the system, and exploitation leads to privilege escalation on the affected machine. A fix is available from Microsoft.

Affected products

  • Microsoft Windows Kerberos

Timeline

  • 2026-10-13: disclosed

References

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