Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in Windows IKE Service Extensions
CVE-2026-33824
Key Information:
- Vendor
Microsoft
- Vendor
- CVE Published:
- 14 April 2026
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What is CVE-2026-33824?
CVE-2026-33824 is a remote code execution vulnerability found in the IKE (Internet Key Exchange) Service Extensions of Microsoft Windows. This vulnerability arises from a double free error, which occurs when a program attempts to free the same memory location more than once. This flaw could allow an unauthorized attacker to execute arbitrary code over a network, potentially gaining control over affected systems. Given that the IKE service is instrumental in managing security associations and key exchanges for VPN connections, the exploitation of this vulnerability could severely compromise network security and integrity. Organizations that rely on Microsoft Windows for their network infrastructure may find themselves at significant risk if this vulnerability is not adequately addressed.
Potential impact of CVE-2026-33824
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Unauthorized Access: Exploitation of this vulnerability could permit attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely, allowing them to gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data within the organization's network.
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Compromise of Network Security: The ability to manipulate the IKE service could lead to the compromise of VPNs and other secure connections, undermining the overall security architecture that relies on these protocols for safe communication.
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Data Breaches and Malware Deployment: By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers could potentially facilitate data breaches, exfiltrate sensitive information, or deploy ransomware and other forms of malware, further endangering organizational assets and user data.
CISA has reported CVE-2026-33824
CISA provides regional cyber and physical services to support security and resilience across the United States. CISA monitor the most dangerious vulnerabilities and have identifed CVE-2026-33824 as being exploited but is not known by the CISA to be used in ransomware campaigns. This is subject to change at pace as recent news articles suggest the vulnerability is being used by ransomware groups.
The CISA's recommendation is: Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.
Affected Version(s)
Windows 10 Version 1607 32-bit Systems 10.0.14393.0 < 10.0.14393.9060
Windows 10 Version 1809 32-bit Systems 10.0.17763.0 < 10.0.17763.8644
Windows 10 Version 21H2 32-bit Systems 10.0.19044.0 < 10.0.19044.7184
News Articles
Critical RCE flaw in Windows IKE Extension now actively exploited
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warned that hackers are exploiting a critical-severity remote code execution (RCE) flaw in the Windows Internet Key Exchange (IKE) Service Extensions component.
3 weeks ago
References
EPSS Score
72% chance of being exploited in the next 30 days.
CVSS V3.1
Timeline
- 💰
Used in Ransomware
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First article discovered by BleepingComputer
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Exploit known to exist
- 🦅
CISA Reported
Vulnerability published
Vulnerability Reserved