CVE-2026-96168: Microsoft Windows Graphics Kernel privilege escalation

CVE-2026-96168 · Severity: high · CVSS 7 · Published 2026-11-10

A vulnerability in Windows Graphics Kernel allows a local user with limited account privileges to elevate their access to system-level control. An attacker with an existing user account on a Windows system could exploit this flaw to gain full administrative privileges, enabling them to install malware, access sensitive data, or compromise the entire system.

Technologies: Microsoft Windows. Vendors: Microsoft.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2026-96168 exploited in the wild?
No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-96168 being exploited in the wild.
How severe is CVE-2026-96168?
High severity, with a CVSS score of 7, published 10 November 2026.
Which products and versions are affected?
Microsoft Windows.
Is there a fix for CVE-2026-96168?
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-2026-96168 attacked?
It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.
Am I affected by CVE-2026-96168?
Check whether you run Microsoft 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

An untrusted pointer dereference flaw in the Windows Graphics Kernel permits privilege escalation by an authenticated local attacker. The vulnerability requires prior account access and allows dereferencing of untrusted pointers, leading to kernel-level code execution and privilege elevation. A fix is available from Microsoft.

Affected products

  • Microsoft Windows

Timeline

  • 2026-11-10: disclosed

References

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