CVE-2026-26168: Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Published Apr 14, 2026
·
Updated

Concurrent execution using shared resource with improper synchronization ('race condition') in Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Other sources

Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Microsoft

Affected Software

57 affected componentsFixes available
Microsoft Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock
Microsoft Windows 10=21H2
Microsoft Windows Server 2022
Microsoft Windows 10=21H2
Microsoft Windows 10=21H2
Microsoft Windows Server 2022
Microsoft Windows Server 2019
Microsoft Windows 10=22H2
Microsoft Windows Server 2019
Microsoft Windows 11=23H2
Microsoft Windows Server 2022, 23H2 Edition
Microsoft Windows 10=1809
Microsoft Windows 11=23H2
Microsoft Windows Server 2025
Microsoft Windows 11=25H2
Microsoft Windows 10=22H2
Microsoft Windows 11=26H1
Microsoft Windows 10=1809
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2
Microsoft Windows 11=26H1
Microsoft Windows 10=22H2
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2
Microsoft Windows Server 2012
Microsoft Windows 10=1607
Microsoft Windows Server 2016
Microsoft Windows Server 2012
Microsoft Windows Server 2025
Microsoft Windows Server 2016
Microsoft Windows 10=1607
Microsoft Windows 11=24H2
Microsoft Windows 11=24H2
Microsoft Windows 11=25H2
Microsoft Windows 10 1607<10.0.14393.9060
Microsoft Windows 10 1607<10.0.14393.9060
Microsoft Windows 10 1809<10.0.17763.8644
Microsoft Windows 10 1809<10.0.17763.8644
Microsoft Windows 10 21h2<10.0.19044.7184
Microsoft Windows 10 21h2<10.0.19044.7184
Microsoft Windows 10 21h2<10.0.19044.7184
Microsoft Windows 10 22h2<10.0.19045.7184
Microsoft Windows 10 22h2<10.0.19045.7184
Microsoft Windows 10 22h2<10.0.19045.7184
Microsoft Windows 11 23h2<10.0.22631.6936
Microsoft Windows 11 23h2<10.0.22631.6936
Microsoft Windows 11 24h2<10.0.26100.8246
Microsoft Windows 11 24h2<10.0.26100.8246
Microsoft Windows 11 25h2<10.0.26200.8246
Microsoft Windows 11 25h2<10.0.26200.8246
Microsoft Windows 11 26h1<10.0.28000.1836
Microsoft Windows 11 26h1<10.0.28000.1836
Microsoft Windows Server 2012
Microsoft Windows Server 2012=r2
Microsoft Windows Server 2016<10.0.14393.9060
Microsoft Windows Server 2019<10.0.17763.8644
Microsoft Windows Server 2022<10.0.20348.5020
Microsoft Windows Server 2022 23h2<10.0.25398.2274
Microsoft Windows Server 2025<10.0.26100.32690

Event History

Apr 14, 2026
CVE Published
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
Description
CVE Published
via MITRE·04:57 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·04:57 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·06:16 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-26168?

The CVE-2026-26168 vulnerability has a medium severity rating due to its potential to allow an attacker to elevate privileges.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-26168?

To fix CVE-2026-26168, it is recommended to apply the latest security updates released by Microsoft for affected systems.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2026-26168?

CVE-2026-26168 affects Microsoft Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock in various versions of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server.

4

Can CVE-2026-26168 be exploited remotely?

No, CVE-2026-26168 requires local access to the system to be exploited.

5

What is a race condition in the context of CVE-2026-26168?

In the context of CVE-2026-26168, a race condition occurs when multiple processes access shared resources improperly, leading to security vulnerabilities.

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