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Microsoft Windows Search Component: Elevation of privilege via use after free

CVE-2026-108136High 7.8

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Summary

A use-after-free flaw (CWE-416) in the Microsoft Windows Search Component allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges. The attacker needs a local account with low privileges and no user interaction is required. The flaw is not remotely exploitable; the risk is highest on multi-user systems such as terminal or file servers.

Affected

  • Windows 10 Version 1607 (builds before 10.0.14393.9612)
  • Windows 10 Version 1809 (builds before 10.0.17763.9376)
  • Windows 10 Version 21H2 (builds before 10.0.19044.7807)
  • Windows 10 Version 22H2 (builds before 10.0.19045.7807)
  • Windows 11 Version 23H2 (builds before 10.0.22631.7652)
  • Windows 11 Version 24H2 (builds before 10.0.26100.9711)
  • Windows 11 Version 25H2 (builds before 10.0.26200.9711)
  • Windows 11 Version 26H1 (builds before 10.0.28000.3231)
  • Windows 11 Version 26H2 (builds before 10.0.26300.9711)
  • Windows Server 2012 and Server Core (builds before 6.2.9200.26434)
  • Windows Server 2012 R2 and Server Core (builds before 6.3.9600.23470)
  • Windows Server 2016 (builds before 10.0.14393.9612)

Fixed in

  • Security updates released on October 13, 2026 (per MSRC). Install the current cumulative update for your version.
  • Fixed builds per CNA data: 10.0.14393.9612 (1607 and Server 2016), 10.0.17763.9376 (1809), 10.0.19044.7807 (21H2), 10.0.19045.7807 (22H2), 10.0.22631.7652 (23H2), 10.0.26100.9711 (24H2), 10.0.26200.9711 (25H2), 10.0.28000.3231 (26H1), 10.0.26300.9711 (26H2), 6.2.9200.26434 (Server 2012), 6.3.9600.23470 (Server 2012 R2).
  • Unknown: KB article for Windows 10 1607. Verify on MSRC.

Workaround

Unknown.

Exploitation

  • Not known to be exploited in the wild.
  • No public proof-of-concept found in research; absence of evidence is not proof.
  • EPSS score 0.00318 (low). CVSS temporal vector marks exploit code maturity as Unproven.
  • CISA SSVC: exploitation none, automatable no, technical impact total.

Our recommendation

  • Install the October 2026 security updates on all affected Windows systems, prioritising multi-user servers and shared workstations.
  • Verify the fixed build numbers on the MSRC update guide before rollout, as sources differ in some builds.
  • If Windows 10 1607 is still in use, check its support status (LTSB 2016 end of support, ESU options) before relying on the patch.
  • Review local accounts and restrict unnecessary local logons on servers.
  • Monitor for unusual privilege changes or new SYSTEM processes.
  • Check CISA KEV before closing this entry.

Information from Microsoft (Patch Tuesday October 2026)

Severity (Microsoft)
Important
Impact
Elevation of privilege – Microsoft Windows Search Component
Status on Patch Tuesday
Neither exploited nor publicly disclosed
Exploitability assessment
Exploitation less likely
Product family
Windows, Windows ESU (Extended Security Updates)
Updates (KB)
KB5126835, KB5126836, KB5126868, KB5126651, KB5126657, KB5126655

Entry in the Microsoft Security Update Guide

Public exploits

PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit and Exploit-DB list nothing for this CVE.

Research sources

Researched and written up in English and German by an AI (Claude by Anthropic) based on NVD, CISA, EPSS and the sources listed. The vendor information is authoritative. Researched on 2 Nov 2026, 04:58.

Original description (NVD)

Use after free in Microsoft Windows Search Component allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

NVD references (1)

Sources

The tracker combines official, freely usable data sources – updated continuously:

This product uses data from the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. EPSS data © FIRST.org.

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