Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Plan PatchCVSS 7.8CVE-2026-85850Oct 13, 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

Release of invalid pointer or reference in Windows Kernel allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

What this means
What could happen
Could allow full system compromise — read data, modify settings, and disrupt operations
Who's at risk
Organizations in critical infrastructure using Microsoft equipment
How it could be exploited
Attacker would need local or console access to the device with basic access credentials. The attack is straightforward with no special conditions
Exploitability
Unlikely to be exploited — EPSS score 0.3%
Affected products (2)
2 with fix
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Windows 11 version 26H1 for x64-based SystemsAll versionsBuild 10.0.28000.3231
Windows 11 Version 26H1 for ARM64-based SystemsAll versionsBuild 10.0.28000.3231
Remediation & Mitigation
0/1
Long-term hardening
0/1
Exploitation assessment: Exploitation More Likely. Apply the 2026-Oct security update.
API: /api/v1/advisories/de1e2531-06ae-4381-a5cd-9099efbc2ac8

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