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CVE-2026-96216 Microsoft CVE debrief

A Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability exists due to a use-after-free weakness in the Windows Kernel. An authorized attacker could exploit this vulnerability locally to elevate privileges. This vulnerability affects Windows 10 versions 1809, 21H2, 22H2; Windows 11 versions 23H2, 24H2, 25H2, 26H1, 26H2; and Windows Server versions 2019, 2022, 2025. Defenders and administrators of these systems should assess exposure and apply patches. The vulnerability requires local access and authorization to exploit, and successful exploitation could allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges.

Vendor
Microsoft
Product
Windows 10 Version 1809
CVSS
HIGH 7
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-10-13
Original CVE updated
2026-10-13
Advisory published
2026-10-13
Advisory updated
2026-10-13

Who should care

Defenders and administrators of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server systems should assess exposure and apply patches. This vulnerability requires local access and authorization to exploit.

Why it matters

CVE-2026-96216 is a high-severity elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows Kernel. Defenders should prioritize patching affected systems to prevent local exploitation.

  • Local privilege escalation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data.
  • Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges.
  • Defenders should verify patch application to prevent exploitation.
  • System integrity and monitoring may be compromised if exploited.

Technical summary

The vulnerability is a use-after-free issue in the Windows Kernel, allowing an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally. Affected products include Windows 10 versions 1809, 21H2, 22H2; Windows 11 versions 23H2, 24H2, 25H2, 26H1, 26H2; and Windows Server versions 2019, 2022, 2025.

Defensive priority

Apply patches immediately for Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server versions listed in the affected products.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Inventory and assess exposure of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server versions for CVE-2026-96216.
  • Apply patches from Microsoft for affected versions.
  • Verify patch application and system integrity.
  • Monitor systems for indicators of compromise.

Evidence notes

The CVE Program and NVD provide official records of the vulnerability. Microsoft has released a patch for this vulnerability. The vulnerability is a use-after-free issue in the Windows Kernel, allowing an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally. Affected products include Windows 10 versions 1809, 21H2, 22H2; Windows 11 versions 23H2, 24H2, 25H2, 26H1, 26H2; and Windows Server versions 2019, 2022, 2025. Defenders should verify patch application to prevent exploitation and to

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-96216 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-96216

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-96216 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-96216

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

  • Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/main/cves/2026/96xxx/CVE-2026-96216.json

    cve_program_cvelist_v5

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96216

    Supplemental source - vendor-advisory, patch

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.