# CVE-2026-88157: OpenSSH for Windows heap-based buffer overflow

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-88157-heap-based-buffer-overflow-in-openssh-for-windows-allows-an  
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-2026-88157 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.8 · Published 2026-10-13

OpenSSH for Windows is a secure remote access tool widely used in corporate environments. A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability allows an attacker on the network to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without authentication, potentially giving an attacker complete control of the compromised computer.

Technologies: [OpenSSH for Windows](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/openssh-openssh-for-windows). Vendors: [OpenSSH](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/openssh).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-88157 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-88157 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-88157?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 13 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** OpenSSH OpenSSH for Windows.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-88157?** 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-2026-88157 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-88157?** Check whether you run OpenSSH for Windows. 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 heap-based buffer overflow exists in OpenSSH for Windows that can be triggered over the network without authentication. An attacker can send a specially crafted network packet to trigger the overflow and achieve remote code execution with the privileges of the OpenSSH process.

## Affected products

- OpenSSH OpenSSH for Windows

## Timeline

- 2026-10-13: disclosed

## References

- [https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-88157](https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-88157)

## Related threats

- [OpenSSH for Windows heap buffer overflow privilege escalation](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-83871-heap-based-buffer-overflow-in-openssh-for-windows-allows-an)
- [OpenSSH for Windows heap-based buffer overflow](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-83754-heap-based-buffer-overflow-in-openssh-for-windows-allows-an)