CVE-2026-81971: Windows NTFS Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
Concurrent execution using shared resource with improper synchronization ('race condition') in Windows NTFS allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Other sources
Windows NTFS 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
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Fixed in 10.0.19044.7807Patch KB5126657 - Upgrade
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Fixed in 10.0.26100.9711Patch KB5127648 - Upgrade
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Fixed in 10.0.28000.3231Patch KB5127646 - Upgrade
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Fixed in 6.3.9600.23470Patch KB5126836 - Upgrade
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Fixed in 10.0.17763.9376Patch KB5126651 - Upgrade
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Fixed in 10.0.20348.5761Patch KB5126655 - Upgrade
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Fixed in 6.2.9200.26434Patch KB5126835 - Upgrade
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Fixed in 10.0.14393.9612Patch KB5126868 - Upgrade
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Fixed in 10.0.26100.33650Patch KB5126646 - Upgrade
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Fixed in 10.0.22631.7652Patch KB5126653 - Upgrade
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Fixed in 10.0.26200.9711Patch KB5127648
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Which systems are in scope?
The affected software list includes Microsoft Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025.
Does exploitation require remote access or user interaction?
No. The vector is local and no user interaction is required, but the attacker must already be authorized with low privileges on the affected system.
What level of access could an attacker gain?
Successful exploitation can elevate local privileges. The supplied metrics indicate high potential impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
What vulnerability class is involved?
The issue involves improper synchronization during concurrent use of a shared resource, described as a race condition. The listed weaknesses also include use after free.