# CVE-2026-96973: Windows Encrypting File System privilege escalation

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-96973-use-after-free-in-windows-encrypting-file-system-efs-allows-an  
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-2026-96973 · Severity: high · CVSS 7 · Published 2026-11-10

Windows Encrypting File System (EFS) is a feature that encrypts files on disk to protect sensitive data. A use-after-free memory flaw allows an authorized user to escalate their privileges to system level, potentially enabling them to bypass access controls, install malware, or steal data.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-96973 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-96973 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-96973?** 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-2026-96973?** 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-2026-96973 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-96973?** 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 use-after-free vulnerability in Windows EFS allows an authenticated local attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability requires existing system access (authorized attacker status) and can be exploited through local execution.

## Affected products

- Microsoft Windows

## Timeline

- 2026-11-10: disclosed

## References

- [https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96973](https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96973)

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