Microsoft Trace Data Helper: Elevation of privilege via use after free
Summary
A use-after-free flaw in the Microsoft Trace Data Helper component of Windows allows an authorized local user to elevate privileges. An attacker needs a valid local account with low privileges and no user interaction is required. Successful exploitation could affect confidentiality, integrity and availability of the system.
Affected
- Windows 10 Version 1607 (builds before 10.0.14393.9688)
- Windows 10 Version 1809 (builds before 10.0.17763.9487)
- Windows 10 Version 21H2 (builds before 10.0.19044.7846)
- Windows 10 Version 22H2 (builds before 10.0.19045.7846, unverified)
- Windows 11 Version 23H2 (builds before 10.0.22631.7711, unverified)
- Windows 11 Version 24H2 (builds before 10.0.26100.9974, unverified)
- Windows 11 Version 25H2 (builds before 10.0.26200.9974, unverified)
- Windows 11 Version 26H1 (builds before 10.0.28000.3501, unverified)
- Windows 11 Version 26H2 (builds before 10.0.26300.9974, unverified)
- Windows Server 2016 incl. Server Core (builds before 10.0.14393.9688)
- Windows Server 2019 incl. Server Core (builds before 10.0.17763.9487)
- Windows Server 2022 (builds before 10.0.20348.5870)
Fixed in
Install the November 2026 cumulative update for each affected version, which contains the fix. Builds at or above the listed fixed versions are not affected. The specific KB numbers have not been confirmed.
Workaround
Unknown.
Exploitation
- Not known to be exploited in the wild; no CISA KEV entry found at time of research.
- No public proof-of-concept found.
- Microsoft rates exploit maturity as unproven (E:U).
- CISA SSVC: exploitation none, automatable no, technical impact total.
Our recommendation
- Install the November 2026 Windows security update on all affected systems, prioritising multi-user systems, terminal servers and file servers.
- Verify the installed build against the MSRC Security Update Guide, since the version data was not fully confirmed.
- Restrict local logon rights and limit who can run code on shared hosts.
- Check support status of Windows 10 builds and re-check NVD and CISA KEV in the coming days.
Information from Microsoft (Patch Tuesday November 2026)
- Severity (Microsoft)
- Important
- Impact
- Elevation of privilege – Microsoft Trace Data Helper
- Status on Patch Tuesday
- Neither exploited nor publicly disclosed
- Exploitability assessment
- Exploitation less likely
- Product family
- Windows, Windows ESU (Extended Security Updates)
- Updates (KB)
- KB5131291, KB5131085, KB5131096, KB5131090, KB5131087, KB5132061
Public exploits
PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit and Exploit-DB list nothing for this CVE.
Research sources
- CVE Record CVE-2026-122172 www.cve.org
- MSRC Security Update Guide CVE-2026-122172 msrc.microsoft.com
- Strix CVE-2026-122172 www.strix.ai
- Senserva KB5132061 (November 2026 update, unverified for this CVE) senserva.com
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 11 Nov 2026, 03:27.
Original description (NVD)
Use after free in Microsoft Trace Data Helper allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
NVD references (1)
Sources
The tracker combines official, freely usable data sources – updated continuously:
- NVD (NIST) – CVEs, rating (CVSS), affected products
- CISA KEV – vulnerabilities confirmed by CISA as actively exploited
- CISA Vulnrichment – CISA assessment (SSVC) in the official CVE record
- FIRST EPSS – probability of exploitation
- Microsoft MSRC – Patch Tuesday: vulnerabilities, severity, updates
- PoC-in-GitHub – public proof-of-concept repositories
- Metasploit (Rapid7) – modules of the Metasploit Framework
- Exploit-DB (OffSec) – archive of public exploits (links only)
- Patch days: official vendor pages (linked per vendor) (Vendor patch days)
This product uses data from the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. EPSS data © FIRST.org.
Affected? We can help.
We check whether your systems are affected, install updates and close the gap – continuously with the System Health Checker if you wish.