Microsoft Windows 11: Elevation of privilege via use-after-free in Windows Search
Summary
A use-after-free flaw in the Microsoft Windows Search Component allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges. Exploitation requires local access with low privileges and a high-complexity condition. The flaw is not remotely exploitable on its own, but it can be used after an initial foothold, for example by malware or a low-privileged user on a shared system.
Affected
- Windows 11 Version 24H2: 10.0.26100.0 to before 10.0.26100.9711
- Windows 11 Version 25H2: 10.0.26200.0 to before 10.0.26200.9711
- Windows 11 Version 26H1: 10.0.28000.0 to before 10.0.28000.3231
- Windows 11 Version 26H2: 10.0.26300.0 to before 10.0.26300.9711
- Windows Server 2025 (including Server Core): 10.0.26100.0 to before 10.0.26100.33650
Fixed in
- Fixed in the October 2026 security update; confirm the exact build and KB number on the MSRC advisory before rollout.
- Builds listed in the CNA record as first fixed: 10.0.26100.9711 (24H2), 10.0.26200.9711 (25H2), 10.0.28000.3231 (26H1), 10.0.26300.9711 (26H2), 10.0.26100.33650 (Server 2025).
- Conflicting third-party data exists for the 24H2 build; the MSRC advisory is authoritative.
Workaround
Unknown. Microsoft advisory does not describe a workaround in the sources reviewed. One third-party record suggests disabling or restricting the Windows Search service until patched; this is not Microsoft guidance and would impair search and indexing.
Exploitation
- CISA SSVC assessment: exploitation none, not automatable, technical impact total.
- Not listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
- EPSS score 0.00252 (very low).
- No public proof-of-concept found in the sources reviewed; this does not rule out that one exists.
Our recommendation
- Install the October 2026 cumulative update on all affected Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025 systems, prioritising multi-user systems, terminal/RDS servers and shared workstations.
- Verify the fixed build and KB number on the MSRC advisory before rollout.
- Confirm that the patch is installed on all affected builds, including Server Core installations.
- Restrict local logons to required staff and contractors on shared systems.
Information from Microsoft (Patch Tuesday October 2026)
Public exploits
PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit and Exploit-DB list nothing for this CVE.
Research sources
- Microsoft Security Update Guide: CVE-2026-70115 msrc.microsoft.com
- Vulners: CVELIST record CVE-2026-70115 vulners.com
- OpenCVE: CVE-2026-70115 app.opencve.io
- Vulners: NVD record CVE-2026-70115 vulners.com
- Strix: CVE-2026-70115 www.strix.ai
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 4 Nov 2026, 09:15.
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:
- 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.
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