Microsoft Windows Search Component: Use-after-free enables local privilege escalation

Summary

A use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) in the Windows Search Component allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges. An attacker needs a valid low-privileged account on the affected machine, and CISA rates the technical impact as total. The flaw is not remotely exploitable.

Affected

• Windows 10 Version 1607 and Windows Server 2016 (including Server Core): 10.0.14393.0 to before 10.0.14393.9612
• Windows 10 Version 1809 and Windows Server 2019: 10.0.17763.0 to before 10.0.17763.9376
• Windows 10 Version 21H2: 10.0.19044.0 to before 10.0.19044.7807
• Windows 10 Version 22H2: 10.0.19045.0 to before 10.0.19045.7807
• Windows 11 Version 23H2: 10.0.22631.0 to before 10.0.22631.7652
• 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 2012 R2 (including Server Core): 6.3.9600.0 to before 6.3.9600.23470
• Windows Server 2022 and 2025: not listed in the official CVE record, check the MSRC advisory

Fixed in

• Windows 10 1607 / Server 2016: 10.0.14393.9612 or later
• Windows 10 1809 / Server 2019: 10.0.17763.9376 or later
• Windows 10 21H2: 10.0.19044.7807 or later
• Windows 10 22H2: 10.0.19045.7807 or later
• Windows 11 23H2: 10.0.22631.7652 or later
• Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2, 26H2: 10.0.26100.9711, 10.0.26200.9711 and 10.0.26300.9711 or later
• Windows 11 26H1: 10.0.28000.3231 or later
• Windows Server 2012 R2: 6.3.9600.23470 or later
• Windows Server 2022 and 2025: Unknown.

Workaround

Unknown. The vendor data lists no workaround. Patching is the fix. A third-party site suggests disabling the Windows Search service, but this is unofficial and breaks search and indexing.

Exploitation

• CISA SSVC: exploitation none, not automatable, technical impact total
• Not listed in the CISA KEV catalog
• EPSS about 0.25 percent
• No public proof of concept or confirmed exploitation found

Our recommendation

• Install the Microsoft security update for CVE-2026-70136 on all affected Windows 10, Windows 11 and Windows Server systems, prioritizing shared, multi-user and terminal servers
• Verify the installed build number against the fixed versions in the MSRC advisory
• Review accounts with local logon rights and monitor for unexpected privilege changes on workstations
• Retire unsupported Windows 10 1607 and Server 2016 hosts or confirm their support status with Microsoft

Public exploits iAttack code is publicly available (PoC on GitHub, Metasploit or Exploit-DB).

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

Research sources

• Microsoft Security Update Guide: CVE-2026-70136 msrc.microsoft.com
• NVD record via Vulners vulners.com
• MSRC mirror with product ranges (Vulners) vulners.com
• CVE list record via Vulners vulners.com
• OpenCVE summary app.opencve.io

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, 09:12.