Description
Heap-based buffer overflow in Windows Kernel allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Published: 2026-10-13
Score: 7.8 High
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: Privilege Escalation
Action: Patch
AI Analysis

Impact

A heap‑based buffer overflow in the Windows kernel allows an attacker who already has local access to elevate privileges to system level. The flaw arises from unvalidated memory operations during heap allocation, enabling the attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel or SYSTEM privileges. This results in full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected machine.

Affected Systems

Microsoft Windows 11 version 26H1, ARM64 builds as indicated by the CPE string, is affected. Any device running this build that has not applied the security update and has local authorized access is susceptible to exploitation.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score of 7.8 indicates moderate‑to‑high severity. The EPSS score is not reported and the vulnerability is not listed in CISA’s KEV catalog, so the overall exploitation risk is uncertain but notable. The attack vector is local, requiring the attacker to already have some legitimate access to the system. If a user can obtain elevated privileges, they can gain full control of the machine. Prompt patching and strict privilege management are required to mitigate this risk.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on October 14, 2026 at 13:06 UTC.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Apply the official Microsoft security update for Windows 11 26H1 ARM64 via the Windows Update client or the Microsoft Update Catalog.
  • Limit local privileged account usage by enforcing least privilege and disabling local administrative accounts where feasible.
  • Monitor system logs and employ endpoint detection for abnormal kernel activity or privilege escalation indicators.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on October 14, 2026 at 13:06 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories

No advisories yet.

History

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Microsoft windows 11 26h1
CPEs cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_11_26h1:*:*:*:*:*:*:arm64:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_11_26h1:*:*:*:*:*:*:x64:*
Vendors & Products Microsoft windows 11 26h1

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

Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

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


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

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description Heap-based buffer overflow in Windows Kernel allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Title Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
First Time appeared Microsoft
Microsoft windows 11 26h1
Weaknesses CWE-122
CPEs cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_11_26H1:*:*:*:*:*:*:arm64:*
Vendors & Products Microsoft
Microsoft windows 11 26h1
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 7.8, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C'}


Subscriptions

Microsoft Windows 11 26h1 Windows 11 26h1
cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: microsoft

Published:

Updated: 2026-10-31T18:13:01.108Z

Reserved: 2026-09-25T04:41:33.499Z

Link: CVE-2026-97803

cve-icon Vulnrichment

Updated: 2026-10-13T21:58:30.759Z

cve-icon NVD

Status : Analyzed

Published: 2026-10-13T19:22:18.160

Modified: 2026-10-16T10:40:28.667

Link: CVE-2026-97803

cve-icon Redhat

No data.

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-10-20T13:15:14Z

Weaknesses
  • CWE-122

    Heap-based Buffer Overflow