CVE-2026-96978: Windows Credential User Interface use-after-free privilege escalation

CVE-2026-96978 · Severity: high · CVSS 7 · Published 2026-11-10

Windows Credential User Interface, a system component that manages user authentication dialogs, contains a use-after-free vulnerability that allows an authorized local user to elevate their privileges. An attacker with local access could exploit this flaw to gain higher-level permissions on the system, potentially compromising the entire Windows installation.

Technologies: Microsoft Windows. Vendors: Microsoft.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2026-96978 exploited in the wild?
No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-96978 being exploited in the wild.
How severe is CVE-2026-96978?
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-2026-96978?
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-2026-96978 attacked?
It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.
Am I affected by CVE-2026-96978?
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 exists in Windows Credential User Interface, allowing an authenticated local attacker to execute privilege escalation. The vulnerability requires local access and valid credentials, but no user interaction beyond normal system access. Successful exploitation grants the attacker elevated privileges on the system.

Affected products

  • Microsoft Windows

Timeline

  • 2026-11-10: disclosed

References

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