CVE-2026-96312: Microsoft Windows Kernel heap-based buffer overflow privilege elevation

CVE-2026-96312 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-10-13

The Windows Kernel contains a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability that allows an authorized local user to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. An attacker with valid credentials on an affected system could exploit this to gain administrative access, potentially compromising the entire system and any data stored on it.

Technologies: Microsoft Windows Kernel, Microsoft Windows 10 1607, Microsoft Windows 10 1809, Microsoft Windows 10 21h2, Microsoft Windows 10 22h2, Microsoft Windows 11 23h2, Microsoft Windows 11 24h2, Microsoft Windows 11 25h2, Microsoft Windows 11 26h2, Microsoft Windows Server 2012, Microsoft Windows Server 2016, Microsoft Windows Server 2019, Microsoft Windows Server 2022, Microsoft Windows Server 2025. Vendors: Microsoft.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2026-96312 exploited in the wild?
No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-96312 being exploited in the wild.
How severe is CVE-2026-96312?
High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 13 October 2026.
Which products and versions are affected?
Microsoft Windows Kernel <UNKNOWN>.
Is there a fix for CVE-2026-96312?
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-2026-96312 attacked?
It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.
Am I affected by CVE-2026-96312?
Check whether you run Microsoft Windows Kernel, Microsoft Windows 10 1607, Microsoft Windows 10 1809 or one of the others listed at an affected version. 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 in the Windows Kernel permits an authenticated local attacker to trigger memory corruption. The vulnerability requires valid user credentials and local access to execute the attack, leading to privilege escalation from standard user to SYSTEM-level privileges.

Affected products

  • Microsoft Windows Kernel <UNKNOWN>

Timeline

  • 2026-10-13: disclosed

References

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