CVE-2026-96218: Windows Update Stack Tampering Vulnerability
Improper access control in Windows Update Stack allows an authorized attacker to perform tampering locally.
Other sources
Windows Update Stack Tampering 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 10.0.28000.3231Patch 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 10.0.26300.9711Patch KB5127648 - 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 10.0.26200.9711Patch KB5127648 - 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 10.0.20348.5761Patch KB5126655 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.19044.7807Patch KB5126657 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.17763.9376Patch KB5126651
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can exploit this vulnerability?
An attacker must already be authorized on the affected system and have local access. The issue is therefore most relevant on systems where lower-privileged local users, shared administrative access, or compromised user accounts are present.
What is the expected impact of successful exploitation?
Successful exploitation allows local tampering with the Windows Update Stack. The provided scoring indicates integrity impact only; no confidentiality or availability impact is identified.
Are remote or unauthenticated systems exposed?
No. The supplied vector identifies local attack access, low attack complexity, low privileges required, and no user interaction. It does not describe a remote or unauthenticated exploitation path.
Which Windows platforms are listed as affected?
The affected software list includes Microsoft Windows 10, Microsoft Windows 11, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2022, and Windows Server 2025.