Local kernel tampering via TOCTOU race
Published Jul 14, 2026 · Updated Jul 14, 2026
TOCTOU race condition in Microsoft Windows Subsystem for Linux before 2.7.10 allows local users to tamper with kernel-managed data. Microsoft identifies a kernel race between a security check and later use, but has not disclosed the affected function, object, or attacker-controlled operation. Successful exploitation requires existing local privileges and winning a high-complexity race; Microsoft reports disclosure and tampering without service interruption.
Summary
What happened
TOCTOU race condition in Microsoft Windows Subsystem for Linux before 2.7.10 allows local users to tamper with kernel-managed data. Microsoft identifies a kernel race between a security check and later use, but has not disclosed the affected function, object, or attacker-controlled operation. Successful exploitation requires existing local privileges and winning a high-complexity race; Microsoft reports disclosure and tampering without service interruption.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-57973
- Published
- Jul 14, 2026
- Updated
- Jul 14, 2026
- Vendor
- Microsoft
- Product
- Windows Subsystem for Linux
- Classifications
- CWE-367
- 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=5.0.0.0 <2.7.10
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
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Weakness, pattern, technique
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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