Description
Use of uninitialized resource in Windows Subsystem for Linux allows an authorized attacker to disclose information locally.
Published: 2026-10-13
Score: 6.5 Medium
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: Information Disclosure
Action: Apply Patch
AI Analysis

Impact

An uninitialized resource within the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2) allows a local, authorized attacker to read sensitive data. The flaw occurs when the subsystem fails to initialize a data structure before use, enabling the attacker to discover information that should otherwise be protected. The impact is limited to disclosure of data on the affected machine, but can expose configuration secrets or operational details that could assist in further attacks; the flaw is not exploitable for remote code execution or privilege escalation at this time.

Affected Systems

Microsoft Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2) on Windows. Specific version information is not provided, so all installations of WSL2 are considered potentially affected until a vendor‑issued patch is applied.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score of 6.5 indicates a moderate severity vulnerability. No EPSS value is available, and the flaw is not reported in the CISA KEV list. The attack vector is local and requires the attacker to have authorized user access to the host system. Because the flaw only permits information disclosure, the immediate threat is limited but can facilitate downstream attacks if sensitive data is accessed.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on October 14, 2026 at 10:45 UTC.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Install the latest Windows updates that contain the patch for CVE-2026-96206.
  • Update Windows Subsystem for Linux to the most recent version released by Microsoft.
  • If patching is not yet possible, restrict local user accounts from running WSL2 or remove the subsystem for non‑trusted users.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on October 14, 2026 at 10:45 UTC.

Tracking

Sign in to view the affected projects.

Advisories

No advisories yet.

History

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 20:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:windows_subsystem_for_linux:*:*:*:*:*:-:*:*

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'partial'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}


Tue, 13 Oct 2026 19:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description Use of uninitialized resource in Windows Subsystem for Linux allows an authorized attacker to disclose information locally.
Title Windows Subsystem for Linux Information Disclosure Vulnerability
First Time appeared Microsoft
Microsoft windows Subsystem For Linux
Weaknesses CWE-908
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:windows_subsystem_for_linux:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Microsoft
Microsoft windows Subsystem For Linux
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 6.5, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C'}


Subscriptions

Microsoft Windows Subsystem For Linux
cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: microsoft

Published:

Updated: 2026-10-31T18:11:00.332Z

Reserved: 2026-09-22T18:57:22.165Z

Link: CVE-2026-96206

cve-icon Vulnrichment

Updated: 2026-10-13T19:47:59.247Z

cve-icon NVD

Status : Analyzed

Published: 2026-10-13T19:21:46.757

Modified: 2026-10-29T20:04:36.877

Link: CVE-2026-96206

cve-icon Redhat

No data.

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-10-16T00:30:14Z

Weaknesses
  • CWE-908

    Use of Uninitialized Resource