# CVE-2026-85842: Windows Image Acquisition format string vulnerability

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-85842-use-of-externally-controlled-format-string-in-windows-image  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-13. Updated: 2026-10-16  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-85842 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-10-13

Windows Image Acquisition, a Microsoft component for capturing images from scanners and cameras, contains a format string vulnerability that allows an authenticated local attacker to escalate privileges on affected systems. An attacker with existing local access could leverage this flaw to gain elevated system permissions, potentially leading to full system compromise and data theft.

Technologies: [Microsoft Windows Image Acquisition](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-image-acquisition). Vendors: [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-85842 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-85842 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-85842?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 13 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Microsoft Windows Image Acquisition.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-85842?** 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-2026-85842 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-85842?** Check whether you run Microsoft Windows Image Acquisition. 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

The vulnerability is a format string flaw in Windows Image Acquisition that can be exploited by an authenticated local attacker to elevate privileges. The issue requires local access and existing authorization on the system. A successful exploit grants the attacker higher privilege levels.

## Affected products

- Microsoft Windows Image Acquisition

## Timeline

- 2026-10-13: disclosed

## References

- [https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-85842](https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-85842)

## Related threats

- [Microsoft Windows Image Acquisition use-after-free privilege escalation](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-69500-microsoft-windows-image-acquisition-use-after-free-privilege)
- [Microsoft Windows Image Acquisition out-of-bounds read](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-69483-microsoft-windows-image-acquisition-out-of-bounds-read)