# CVE-2026-96913: Windows Kernel heap buffer overflow privilege escalation

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-96913-heap-based-buffer-overflow-in-windows-kernel-allows-an-authorized  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-13. Updated: 2026-10-16  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-96913 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.8 · Published 2026-10-13

A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the Windows Kernel allows a user with local access to crash the system or gain administrative privileges. An attacker with a standard user account can exploit this flaw to take full control of the compromised machine, posing a significant risk to system integrity and confidentiality.

Technologies: [Microsoft Windows Kernel](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-kernel). Vendors: [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-96913 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-96913 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-96913?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 13 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Microsoft Windows Kernel.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-96913?** 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-2026-96913 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-96913?** Check whether you run Microsoft Windows Kernel. 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 buffer overflow exists in the Windows Kernel that can be exploited by an authenticated local attacker to cause privilege escalation. The vulnerability requires local access but does not require special user interaction. A successful exploit grants the attacker kernel-level privileges.

## Affected products

- Microsoft Windows Kernel

## Timeline

- 2026-10-13: disclosed

## References

- [https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96913](https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96913)

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