Elevation of Privilege in Desktop Windows Manager from Microsoft
CVE-2026-20871

7.8HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

Microsoft
Status
Windows Server 2022
Windows 10 Version 21h2
Windows 10 Version 22h2
Windows Server 2025 (server Core Installation)
Vendor
CVE Published:
13 January 2026

What is CVE-2026-20871?

A vulnerability exists in the Desktop Windows Manager that can be exploited by an authorized attacker to elevate their privileges on affected systems. By leveraging a use after free condition, an attacker can gain unauthorized access to higher-level permissions, enabling them to execute tasks that should normally require elevated rights. This vulnerability underscores the importance of implementing timely updates and security practices to safeguard Windows environments.

Affected Version(s)

Windows 10 Version 21H2 32-bit Systems 10.0.19044.0 < 10.0.19044.6809

Windows 10 Version 22H2 x64-based Systems 10.0.19045.0 < 10.0.19045.6809

Windows 11 version 22H3 ARM64-based Systems 10.0.22631.0 < 10.0.22631.6491

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE...
vendor-advisorypatch

CVSS V3.1

Score:
7.8
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Local
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
Low
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

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