CVE-2026-85945: Windows Kernel use-after-free privilege escalation

CVE-2026-85945 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-10-13

A use-after-free vulnerability in the Windows Kernel allows an authenticated local user to gain higher-level privileges on a system. An attacker with user account access could exploit this flaw to execute code with administrator or system-level permissions, potentially compromising the entire system.

Technologies: Microsoft Windows Kernel. Vendors: Microsoft.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2026-85945 exploited in the wild?
No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-85945 being exploited in the wild.
How severe is CVE-2026-85945?
High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 13 October 2026.
Which products and versions are affected?
Microsoft Windows Kernel.
Is there a fix for CVE-2026-85945?
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-2026-85945 attacked?
It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.
Am I affected by CVE-2026-85945?
Check whether you run Microsoft Windows Kernel. 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 condition in the Windows Kernel allows an authenticated local attacker to elevate privileges. The vulnerability requires local access and valid user credentials. Successful exploitation grants the attacker kernel-level privileges.

Affected products

  • Microsoft Windows Kernel

Timeline

  • 2026-10-13: disclosed

References

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