CVE-2026-96317: Windows Kernel use-after-free privilege escalation

CVE-2026-96317 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-10-13

A flaw in the Windows Kernel allows an authenticated attacker to gain elevated privileges on a system. An attacker with local access to a Windows machine could exploit this to run malicious code with system-level permissions, potentially compromising the entire computer.

Technologies: Microsoft Windows Kernel, 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 26h1, Microsoft Windows 11 26h2, Microsoft Windows Server 2019, Microsoft Windows Server 2022, Microsoft Windows Server 2025. Vendors: Microsoft.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2026-96317 exploited in the wild?
No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-96317 being exploited in the wild.
How severe is CVE-2026-96317?
High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 13 October 2026.
Which products and versions are affected?
Microsoft Windows Kernel.
Is there a fix for CVE-2026-96317?
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-2026-96317 attacked?
It is attacked with local access.
Am I affected by CVE-2026-96317?
Check whether you run Microsoft Windows Kernel, Microsoft Windows 10 1809, Microsoft Windows 10 21h2 or one of the others listed. 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 use-after-free vulnerability in the Windows Kernel permits local privilege escalation by an authorized attacker. The vulnerability is reachable locally and requires an attacker to already have user-level access to the system.

Affected products

  • Microsoft Windows Kernel

Timeline

  • 2026-10-13: disclosed

References

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