# CVE-2026-97816: OpenSSH for Windows use-after-free remote code execution

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-97816-use-after-free-in-openssh-for-windows-allows-an-unauthorized  
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-2026-97816 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.8 · Published 2026-10-13

OpenSSH for Windows is a command-line tool for secure remote access to systems. A use-after-free vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code over the network, potentially giving them complete control of affected systems.

Technologies: [Microsoft Windows 10 1809](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-10-1809), [Microsoft Windows 10 21h2](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-10-21h2), [Microsoft Windows 10 22h2](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-10-22h2), [Microsoft Windows 11 23h2](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-11-23h2), [Microsoft Windows 11 24h2](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-11-24h2), [Microsoft Windows 11 25h2](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-11-25h2), [Microsoft Windows 11 26h1](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-11-26h1), [Microsoft Windows 11 26h2](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-11-26h2), [Microsoft Windows Server 2019](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-server-2019), [Microsoft Windows Server 2022](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-server-2022), [Microsoft Windows Server 2025](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-server-2025). Vendors: [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-97816 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-97816 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-97816?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.8, published 13 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** OpenSSH for Windows.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-97816?** 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-2026-97816 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-97816?** Check whether you run Microsoft Windows 10 1809, Microsoft Windows 10 21h2, Microsoft Windows 10 22h2 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 memory corruption vulnerability in OpenSSH for Windows allows remote code execution when processing network input. The vulnerability can be triggered by an unauthenticated attacker over the network without requiring user interaction or valid credentials.

## Affected products

- OpenSSH for Windows

## Timeline

- 2026-10-13: disclosed

## References

- [https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-97816](https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-97816)

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