CVE-2026-88237: Windows Subsystem for Linux use-after-free privilege escalation

CVE-2026-88237 · Severity: high · CVSS 7 · Published 2026-11-10

Windows Subsystem for Linux contains a use-after-free vulnerability that allows an authorized local user to escalate their privileges to a higher level of access on the system. An attacker with legitimate user credentials could exploit this flaw to gain administrative or system-level control, potentially compromising the entire Windows computer.

Technologies: Microsoft Windows Subsystem For Linux. Vendors: Microsoft.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2026-88237 exploited in the wild?
No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-88237 being exploited in the wild.
How severe is CVE-2026-88237?
High severity, with a CVSS score of 7, published 10 November 2026.
Which products and versions are affected?
Microsoft Windows Subsystem for Linux.
Is there a fix for CVE-2026-88237?
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-2026-88237 attacked?
It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.
Am I affected by CVE-2026-88237?
Check whether you run Microsoft Windows Subsystem For Linux. 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 memory safety vulnerability exists in Windows Subsystem for Linux that permits privilege escalation. The vulnerability requires local access and an authorized user account. Successful exploitation grants the attacker elevated privileges on the affected system.

Affected products

  • Microsoft Windows Subsystem for Linux

Timeline

  • 2026-11-10: advisory

References

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