# CVE-2026-96164: Windows Imaging Component heap overflow allows network code execution

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-96164-heap-based-buffer-overflow-in-windows-imaging-component-allows-an  
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-2026-96164 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.8 · Published 2026-11-10

Windows Imaging Component, which processes image files across Microsoft's ecosystem, contains a heap buffer overflow vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code over a network without authentication. This could enable remote compromise of systems that process untrusted image files, leading to data theft, malware installation, or system takeover.

Technologies: [Microsoft Windows Imaging Component](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-imaging-component). Vendors: [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-96164 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-96164 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-96164?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 10 November 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Microsoft Windows Imaging Component.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-96164?** 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-2026-96164 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-96164?** Check whether you run Microsoft Windows Imaging Component. 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 Windows Imaging Component, exploitable via network vectors without requiring prior authentication or user interaction. Successful exploitation grants arbitrary code execution in the context of the affected process. The vulnerability has been assigned CVE-2026-96164 with a CVSS score of 8.8, indicating high severity.

## Affected products

- Microsoft Windows Imaging Component

## Timeline

- 2026-11-10: disclosed

## References

- [https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96164](https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96164)

## Related threats

- [Windows Imaging Component out-of-bounds read information disclosure](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-96859-out-of-bounds-read-in-windows-imaging-component-allows-an)
- [Windows Imaging Component heap-based buffer overflow](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-77496-heap-based-buffer-overflow-in-windows-imaging-component-allows-an)
- [Windows Imaging Component heap-based buffer overflow](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-69886-heap-based-buffer-overflow-in-windows-imaging-component-allows-an)
- [Microsoft Windows Imaging Component heap buffer overflow](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-83992-microsoft-windows-imaging-component-heap-buffer-overflow)
- [Microsoft Windows Imaging Component heap buffer overflow](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-77495-microsoft-windows-imaging-component-heap-buffer-overflow)