Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability
MonitorCVSS 5.5CVE-2026-32217Apr 14, 2026
Microsoft
IT in OT - Windows Server and Active Directory are widely deployed in OT environments
Attack path
Attack VectorLocal
Auth RequiredLow
ComplexityLow
User InteractionNone needed
Summary
Insertion of sensitive information into log file in Windows Kernel allows an authorized local attacker to disclose information. The vulnerability requires local user access with basic privileges to trigger and read kernel log files containing sensitive data.
What this means
What could happen
A user with local access to a Windows system could read sensitive information from kernel log files, potentially exposing configuration details or credentials. This risk is primarily relevant if your OT systems run Windows-based engineering workstations, HMIs, or historian servers with untrusted users.
Who's at risk
Windows servers and workstations used in OT environments—including HMI servers, engineering workstations, Windows-based data historians, and DCS operator stations. This affects all versions of Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025 across 32-bit, x64, and ARM64 platforms.
How it could be exploited
An attacker with a local user account on a Windows system can access and read kernel log files containing sensitive data. No special tools or network access are required—only the ability to log in locally or via RDP.
Prerequisites
- Local user account or RDP access to an affected Windows system
- Ability to read kernel log files or event logs
Low complexity exploitationRequires local access (not remote)Sensitive data exposure
Exploitability
Unlikely to be exploited — EPSS score 0.1%
Affected products (27)
27 with fix
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Remediation & Mitigation
0/3
Do now
0/2HARDENINGRestrict local and remote desktop access to Windows systems to authorized personnel only. Review and remove unnecessary local user accounts.
WORKAROUNDDisable or restrict access to kernel event logs on systems where local users should not view system diagnostics. Use Windows Event Viewer permissions or Group Policy to limit log access.
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption
HOTFIXApply the April 2026 Windows security update to all affected Windows systems. Consult your OS version's fixed build number and verify installation via Windows Update or WSUS.
CVEs (1)
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