Executive brief
Winsock is a core Windows network communications library used by virtually all network applications. A heap-based buffer overflow in this component allows an authenticated attacker on the local system to escalate their privileges, potentially gaining administrative access and full control of the machine.
Technical details
A heap-based buffer overflow exists in Microsoft Windows Winsock, a fundamental network communications library. The vulnerability requires local access and valid user credentials to exploit. An authenticated attacker can trigger the overflow to corrupt heap memory, leading to privilege escalation from a standard user account to elevated (administrative) privileges. Attack vector is local; network-based exploitation is not possible. A security update is available from Microsoft.
Affected products
- Microsoft Windows <UNKNOWN>
Timeline
- 2026-09-08: disclosed