Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
Plan Patch7CVE-2026-24285Mar 10, 2026
Microsoft
IT in OT - Windows Server and Active Directory are widely deployed in OT environments
Attack path
Attack VectorLocal
Auth RequiredLow
ComplexityHigh
User InteractionNone needed
Summary
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Windows Win32k subsystem allows a local, authenticated user to execute code with SYSTEM-level privileges. The vulnerability is in kernel memory management and requires the attacker to have an active user account on the target system and the ability to run arbitrary code. Microsoft rates exploitation as less likely and has released patches across all supported Windows versions.
What this means
What could happen
A user with a local account on a Windows system could exploit this flaw to gain system-level privileges, potentially allowing them to modify critical software, access sensitive data, or disrupt operations on HMI workstations or engineering servers.
Who's at risk
Windows administrators managing Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server systems (2016, 2019, 2022, 2025) in critical environments, particularly HMI workstations, engineering servers, and SCADA host computers that rely on Windows for process visibility or control.
How it could be exploited
An attacker with a local user account runs malicious code that triggers a use-after-free condition in Win32k. Once the kernel memory vulnerability is exploited, the attacker's process can execute with SYSTEM privileges, bypassing access controls.
Prerequisites
- Local user account on the Windows system
- Ability to execute arbitrary code on the system
Locally exploitableRequires authentication (local user account)High complexity (use-after-free vulnerability)Affects multiple Windows versions
Exploitability
Unlikely to be exploited — EPSS score 0.1%
Affected products (25)
25 with fix
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Remediation & Mitigation
0/3
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption
Windows Server 2016
HOTFIXApply the 2026-Mar security update to all Windows systems (Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2016/2019/2022/2025)
Long-term hardening
0/2HARDENINGRestrict user account creation and disable guest accounts on engineering workstations and HMI servers to limit local attack surface
HARDENINGImplement application whitelisting on critical systems to prevent unauthorized code execution
CVEs (1)
↑↓ Navigate · Esc Close
API:
/api/v1/advisories/16aa9126-4269-4b6a-9f61-d9aa72414e06Get OT security insights every Tuesday
Advisory breakdowns, a weekly summary, and incident analyses for the people actually defending OT environments. Free, no account required.