# CVE-2026-96969: Microsoft Windows TCP/IP double free privilege escalation

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-96969-double-free-in-windows-tcp-ip-allows-an-authorized-attacker-to  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-11-10. Updated: 2026-11-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-96969 · Severity: high · CVSS 7 · Published 2026-11-10

A flaw in Windows' TCP/IP network stack allows a local user with existing system access to gain elevated administrative privileges through a double-free memory corruption vulnerability. This could enable an attacker to take complete control of an affected system.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-96969 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-96969 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-96969?** 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-2026-96969?** 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-2026-96969 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-96969?** 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

A double-free vulnerability exists in the Windows TCP/IP stack that can be triggered by a local authenticated attacker. The flaw allows memory corruption leading to privilege escalation from a restricted user context to SYSTEM-level access, requiring prior system access but no network interaction.

## Affected products

- Microsoft Windows

## Timeline

- 2026-11-10: disclosed

## References

- [https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96969](https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96969)

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