# CVE-2026-96029: Microsoft Windows Installer privilege escalation

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-96029-improper-access-control-in-windows-installer-allows-an-authorized  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-11-10. Updated: 2026-11-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-96029 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-11-10

Windows Installer, a core Windows component responsible for installing software, contains an improper access control vulnerability that allows an authorized local user to escalate their privileges on a system. An attacker with local access could exploit this to gain administrative control of the affected computer, potentially leading to data theft, malware installation, or system compromise.

Technologies: [Microsoft Windows Installer](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-installer). Vendors: [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-96029 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-96029 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-96029?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 10 November 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Microsoft Windows Installer.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-96029?** 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-2026-96029 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-96029?** Check whether you run Microsoft Windows Installer. 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

An improper access control flaw in Windows Installer permits privilege escalation when exploited by an authenticated local user. The vulnerability does not require network access or user interaction beyond initial system access. Successful exploitation results in elevated privileges, potentially granting administrative rights.

## Affected products

- Microsoft Windows Installer

## Timeline

- 2026-11-10: disclosed

## References

- [https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96029](https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96029)

## Related threats

- [Microsoft Windows Installer stack-based buffer overflow](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-96152-stack-based-buffer-overflow-in-windows-installer-allows-an)
- [Windows Installer heap-based buffer overflow allows privilege elevation](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-96085-heap-based-buffer-overflow-in-windows-installer-allows-an)
- [Microsoft Windows Installer heap-based buffer overflow](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-96062-heap-based-buffer-overflow-in-windows-installer-allows-an)
- [Windows Installer use-after-free privilege elevation](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-96061-use-after-free-in-windows-installer-allows-an-authorized-attacker)
- [Windows Installer out-of-bounds read privilege escalation](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-96060-out-of-bounds-read-in-windows-installer-allows-an-authorized)