OTPulse

Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Plan PatchCVSS 7.8CVE-2026-50478Jul 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

Use-after-free vulnerability in Windows kernel memory management allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges. Exploitation requires valid user credentials or physical access to the affected system. Microsoft has released patches for all supported Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2019, 2022, and 2025 versions.

What this means
What could happen
An authorized user (or attacker with local access) could exploit a flaw in Windows kernel memory handling to gain elevated system privileges, potentially allowing them to run commands as administrator and modify any software or settings on affected systems.
Who's at risk
IT managers running Windows 10 or Windows Server systems should prioritize patching for any machines used as engineering workstations, data historians, or HMI servers that interface with SCADA/PLC systems. While this vulnerability requires local access, compromise of these systems could allow attackers to alter control logic, manipulate historical data, or modify system configurations affecting water treatment, power distribution, or other critical processes.
How it could be exploited
An attacker with local user credentials or physical access runs a specially crafted program that exploits a use-after-free flaw in the Windows kernel. This causes the kernel to access memory that has been freed, allowing the attacker to overwrite kernel data structures and escalate privileges from user-level to system-level without admin credentials.
Prerequisites
  • Local user account on the Windows system
  • Low complexity exploitation technique
Local exploitation requiredLow complexity attackAffects IT systems supporting OT operationsRequires valid user credentials
Exploitability
Unlikely to be exploited — EPSS score 0.3%
Affected products (19)
19 with fix
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Windows 10 Version 1809 for 32-bit SystemsAll versionsBuild 10.0.17763.9020
Windows 10 Version 1809 for x64-based SystemsAll versionsBuild 10.0.17763.9020
Windows Server 2019All versionsBuild 10.0.17763.9020
Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)All versionsBuild 10.0.17763.9020
Windows Server 2022All versionsBuild 10.0.20348.5386
Remediation & Mitigation
0/3
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/2

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

HOTFIXApply the July 2026 Windows security update to affected systems
HOTFIXPrioritize patching systems that host SCADA, HMI, or historian applications running on Windows
Long-term hardening
0/1
HARDENINGRestrict local login access on critical control systems to authorized personnel only
View full vendor advisory
API: /api/v1/advisories/fd9d5fc8-e05c-40fe-beef-aeb633afccb9

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