# CVE-2026-96251: Microsoft PowerShell code execution via untrusted security decision

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-96251-reliance-on-untrusted-inputs-in-a-security-decision-in-microsoft  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-13. Updated: 2026-10-20  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-96251 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.8 · Published 2026-10-13

Microsoft PowerShell, a command-line scripting environment used for system administration and automation, contains a vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code over the network. An attacker can exploit a flaw in how PowerShell validates security decisions to bypass protections and run malicious commands with the privileges of the user running PowerShell.

Technologies: [Microsoft PowerShell](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/powershell). Vendors: [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-96251 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-96251 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-96251?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 13 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Microsoft PowerShell.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-96251?** 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-2026-96251 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a web application.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-96251?** Check whether you run Microsoft PowerShell. 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

The vulnerability stems from PowerShell relying on untrusted inputs when making security decisions, failing to properly validate the source or integrity of input before using it in a security context. An attacker with network access can craft malicious input to exploit this validation flaw and achieve remote code execution. A fix is expected to be available from Microsoft.

## Affected products

- Microsoft PowerShell

## Timeline

- 2026-10-13: disclosed

## References

- [https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96251](https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96251)

## Related threats

- [Microsoft PowerShell XML external entity information disclosure](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-121675-improper-restriction-of-xml-external-entity-reference-in)
- [Microsoft PowerShell security check bypass](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-96303-improperly-implemented-security-check-for-standard-in-microsoft)
- [Microsoft PowerShell command injection](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-50523-microsoft-powershell-command-injection)
- [Microsoft Windows PowerShell relative path traversal remote code execution](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-40400-microsoft-windows-powershell-relative-path-traversal-remote-code)
- [Improper input validation in Microsoft PowerShell allows an unauthorized attacker to bypass a security feature locally.](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-26143-improper-input-validation-in-microsoft-powershell-allows-an)