Microsoft Windows Search Component: Elevation of privilege via use after free
Summary
A use-after-free flaw in the Windows Search Component allows an authorized local user to elevate privileges. The attack requires local access with low privileges and no user interaction, and it can fully compromise confidentiality, integrity and availability of the affected system. Exposure is local only, so the main risk is a user account or malware that already has a foothold on a workstation or server.
Affected
- Windows 10 Version 1607 and Windows Server 2016 (including Server Core): 10.0.14393.0 before 10.0.14393.9612
- Windows 10 Version 1809 and Windows Server 2019: 10.0.17763.0 before 10.0.17763.9376
- Windows 10 Version 21H2: 10.0.19044.0 before 10.0.19044.7807
- Windows 10 Version 22H2: 10.0.19045.0 before 10.0.19045.7807
- Windows 11 Version 23H2: 10.0.22631.0 before 10.0.22631.7652
- Windows 11 Version 24H2: 10.0.26100.0 before 10.0.26100.9711
- Windows 11 Version 25H2 and 26H2: 10.0.26200.0 before 10.0.26200.9711 and 10.0.26300.0 before 10.0.26300.9711
- Windows 11 Version 26H1: 10.0.28000.0 before 10.0.28000.3231
- Windows Server 2012 R2 (including Server Core): 6.3.9600.0 before 6.3.9600.23470
Fixed in
- Install the Microsoft security update for the affected build (fixed builds as listed in the affected ranges above; verify exact builds and KB numbers on the MSRC page).
Workaround
Unknown. No workaround is documented in the sources reviewed; apply the vendor update.
Exploitation
- No exploitation in the wild known; CISA SSVC lists exploitation as none and automatable as no.
- Microsoft marks exploit code maturity as unproven.
- No public proof of concept found.
Our recommendation
- Patch affected Windows systems in the next regular update cycle, and sooner for shared servers, terminal servers and file servers.
- Check Windows 10 1607, Windows Server 2016 and other older builds against the Microsoft Lifecycle page and plan an upgrade where support has ended.
- Restrict local logon on servers and review accounts with local access.
- Monitor for suspicious privilege escalation and new local accounts.
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)
- KB5127648, KB5126651, KB5126655, KB5126657, KB5126646, KB5126653
Public exploits
PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit and Exploit-DB list nothing for this CVE.
Research sources
- Microsoft Security Update Guide: CVE-2026-88182 msrc.microsoft.com
- OpenCVE: CVE-2026-88182 (CNA/NVD record and SSVC data) app.opencve.io
- VulDB: CVE-2026-88182 vuldb.com
- VulDB: vulnerability 419498 vuldb.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 2 Nov 2026, 01:10.
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.
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.