CVE-2026-72968: Windows Program Compatibility Assistant Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
Use after free in Windows Program Compatibility Assistant Service allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Other sources
Windows Program Compatibility Assistant Service Elevation of Privilege 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 10.0.26300.9711Patch KB5127648 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.14393.9612Patch KB5126868 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.26100.9711Patch KB5127648 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.28000.3231Patch KB5127646 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.26100.33650Patch KB5126646 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.22631.7652Patch KB5126653 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.26200.9711Patch KB5127648 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.17763.9376Patch KB5126651 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.20348.5761Patch KB5126655 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.19044.7807Patch KB5126657
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can exploit this vulnerability?
An attacker must already be authorized on the affected machine and able to execute an exploit locally. The available data does not indicate that remote, unauthenticated exploitation is possible.
Which systems should be assessed?
Assess Microsoft Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025 systems, particularly where the Windows Program Compatibility Assistant Service is present.
What is the potential impact of successful exploitation?
A successful exploit can elevate the authorized local attacker's privileges. The supplied vector rates confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact as high.