CVE-2026-45585: Windows BitLocker Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability

Published May 19, 2026
·
Updated

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

14 affected componentsFixes available
Microsoft Windows 11=25H2
Microsoft Windows 11=24H2
Microsoft Windows Server 2025
Microsoft Windows Server 2025
Microsoft Windows 11=26H1
Microsoft Windows 11 24h2
Microsoft Windows 11 25h2
Microsoft Windows 11 26h1
Microsoft Windows Server 2025
Microsoft Windows 11=24H2
10.0.26100.8655
Microsoft Windows 11=26H1
10.0.28000.2269
Microsoft Windows 11=25H2
10.0.26200.8655
Microsoft Windows Server 2025<10.0.26100.32995
10.0.26100.32995
Microsoft Windows Server 2025<10.0.26100.32995
10.0.26100.32995

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 10.0.26100.8655Patch KB5094126
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 10.0.28000.2269Patch KB5095051
  3. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 10.0.26200.8655Patch KB5094126
  4. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 10.0.26100.32995Patch KB5094125
  5. 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
  6. 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

May 19, 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
DescriptionSeverity
Updated
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
Description
CVE Published
via MITRE·11:30 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·11:30 PM
DescriptionSeverity
May 20, 2026
Data Sourced
via NVD·12:16 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

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.

2

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.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2026-45585?

CVE-2026-45585 affects multiple versions of Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025.

4

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.

5

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.

Contact

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