# CVE-2026-85850: Microsoft Windows Kernel use-after-free privilege escalation

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-85850-release-of-invalid-pointer-or-reference-in-windows-kernel-allows  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-13. Updated: 2026-10-29  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-85850 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-10-13

A flaw in the Windows Kernel could allow an authorized user to gain elevated system privileges through a local attack. An attacker with user-level access could exploit this vulnerability to obtain administrative control of an affected system, potentially enabling further attacks such as malware installation or data theft.

Technologies: [Microsoft Windows Kernel](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-kernel), [Microsoft Windows 11 26h1](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-11-26h1). Vendors: [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-85850 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-85850 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-85850?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 13 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Microsoft Windows Kernel <UNKNOWN>.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-85850?** 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-2026-85850 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-85850?** Check whether you run Microsoft Windows Kernel or Microsoft Windows 11 26h1 at an affected version. 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 Windows Kernel contains a use-after-free vulnerability in pointer/reference management that allows an authenticated attacker to trigger a local privilege escalation. The attack requires local access and authorization but does not require user interaction. A successful exploit results in kernel-mode execution with SYSTEM privileges.

## Affected products

- Microsoft Windows Kernel <UNKNOWN>

## Timeline

- 2026-10-13: disclosed

## References

- [https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-85850](https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-85850)

## Related threats

- [Microsoft Windows Kernel out-of-bounds read](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-96058-out-of-bounds-read-in-windows-kernel-allows-an-unauthorized)
- [Windows Kernel integer underflow privilege elevation](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-96052-integer-underflow-wrap-or-wraparound-in-windows-kernel-allows-an)
- [Windows Kernel incorrect authorization privilege escalation](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-95988-incorrect-authorization-in-windows-kernel-allows-an-authorized)
- [Windows Kernel race condition privilege elevation](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-94514-concurrent-execution-using-shared-resource-with-improper)
- [Microsoft Windows Kernel out-of-bounds read privilege escalation](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-122183-out-of-bounds-read-in-windows-kernel-allows-an-authorized)