Kernel-level privilege escalation via use-after-free
Published Jul 14, 2026 · Updated Jul 14, 2026
Use-after-free in the Windows Kernel in Microsoft Windows 11 version 26H1 before 10.0.28000.2525 allows local users to elevate privileges. The kernel references memory after freeing it, but Microsoft has not disclosed the affected object, code path, or attacker-controlled trigger. A low-privileged local account and no user interaction are required; successful exploitation grants elevated privileges within the kernel.
Summary
What happened
Use-after-free in the Windows Kernel in Microsoft Windows 11 version 26H1 before 10.0.28000.2525 allows local users to elevate privileges. The kernel references memory after freeing it, but Microsoft has not disclosed the affected object, code path, or attacker-controlled trigger. A low-privileged local account and no user interaction are required; successful exploitation grants elevated privileges within the kernel.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-49173
- Published
- Jul 14, 2026
- Updated
- Jul 14, 2026
- Vendor
- Microsoft
- Product
- Windows 11, version 26H1
- Classifications
- CWE-416, T1068
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- authenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Jul 14, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Jul 14, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=10.0.28000.0 <10.0.28000.2269
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
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Public exploit references
No public exploit references are available in this record.
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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