CVE-2026-96323: Windows Update Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
Use after free in Windows Update allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Other sources
Windows Update 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 10.0.19044.7807Patch KB5126657 - 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 10.0.26200.9711Patch KB5127648 - 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 10.0.28000.3231Patch KB5127646 - 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 10.0.26100.33650Patch KB5126646 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 10.0.26100.9711Patch KB5127648
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is exposed to this vulnerability?
Systems running the listed Microsoft Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2025, or Microsoft Windows Update software may be exposed. Exploitation is local rather than network-based.
What access does an attacker need to exploit it?
An attacker must already be authorized on the affected system and have local access. No user interaction is required according to the provided vector.
What is the likely impact of successful exploitation?
Successful exploitation allows elevation of privileges and is rated as having high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. An attacker could gain permissions beyond those assigned to their existing authorized account.