CVE-2026-45585: Windows BitLocker Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
Microsoft is aware of a security feature bypass vulnerability in Windows publicly referred to as "YellowKey". The proof of concept for this vulnerability has been made public violating coordinated vulnerability best practices. We are issuing this CVE to provide mitigation guidance that can be implemented to protect against this vulnerability until the security update is made available. Mitigation FAQs Should I leverage the temporary mitigation? Microsoft recommends that you consider implementing these mitigations if you are concerned your devices and data are at risk of being compromised or stolen. For example, if your organization’s employees take their work devices home or on business travel. What impact to service availability/management could be caused by implementing the mitigations? Implementing these mitigations will not impact service availability or management operations. Do customers need to revert the changes made to mitigate the vulnerability once the security update to protect against this vulnerability is available? No. The security update will maintain the mitigation's behavior once the security update is installed. I am using TPM+PIN, am I at risk of this vulnerability being exploited No, if you are using TPM+PIN the vulnerability is not exploitable.
Other sources
Windows BitLocker Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
— Microsoft
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.26100.8655Patch KB5094126 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.28000.2269Patch KB5095051 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.26200.8655Patch KB5094126 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.26100.32995Patch KB5094125 - Configuration
If you are using TPM+PIN, the vulnerability is not exploitable; ensure TPM+PIN remains enabled so the device is protected without needing the temporary mitigation.
Windows BitLocker Use TPM+PIN = enabled - Operational
No revert is required after the security update is installed because the security update will maintain the mitigation's behavior once installed.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-45585?
CVE-2026-45585 is classified as a security feature bypass vulnerability, which can potentially allow unauthorized access.
How do I fix CVE-2026-45585?
To mitigate CVE-2026-45585, users should apply the latest security updates provided by Microsoft for affected Windows versions.
What systems are affected by CVE-2026-45585?
CVE-2026-45585 affects multiple versions of Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025.
What are the potential risks of CVE-2026-45585?
Exploitation of CVE-2026-45585 may lead to unauthorized access to encrypted data secured by BitLocker.
Has a proof of concept been released for CVE-2026-45585?
Yes, a proof of concept has been publicly released for CVE-2026-45585, violating coordinated vulnerability disclosure practices.