Windows Graphics Kernel: Heap-based buffer overflow allows local privilege escalation

Summary

The Windows Graphics Kernel, the kernel-mode graphics component present on all Windows clients and servers, contains a heap-based buffer overflow (CWE-122). A local user with low privileges can exploit it to gain higher privileges, such as SYSTEM. Exploitation requires an existing foothold on the system and a high attack complexity, so this is a second-stage escalation rather than a remote entry point.

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)
• Windows 11 Version 23H2 (builds before 10.0.22631.7711)
• Windows 11 Version 24H2 (builds before 10.0.26100.9974)
• Windows 11 Version 25H2 (builds before 10.0.26200.9974)
• Windows 11 Version 26H1 (builds before 10.0.28000.3501)
• Windows 11 Version 26H2 (builds before 10.0.26300.9974)
• Windows Server 2016, including Server Core (builds before 10.0.14393.9688)
• Windows Server 2019, including Server Core (builds before 10.0.17763.9487)
• Windows Server 2022 (builds before 10.0.20348.5870)

Fixed in

• Install the Microsoft security update from November 2026 for the affected Windows versions. Builds at or above the thresholds listed above are fixed.
• Unknown: the exact KB article number for this CVE. Verify it in the MSRC Security Update Guide.

Workaround

Unknown.

Exploitation

• CISA SSVC: exploitation none, automatable no, technical impact total.
• Microsoft rates exploit code maturity as Unproven (E:U).
• No public proof-of-concept or CISA KEV entry found at the time of research.
• Rapid7 reports Microsoft is aware of in-the-wild exploitation of one vulnerability published that day. It does not name this CVE, and this could not be verified.

Our recommendation

• Inventory all Windows hosts and identify builds below the fixed versions, starting with servers and shared systems such as terminal, file and multi-user workstations.
• Install the November 2026 Windows security updates through the normal monthly cycle, and prioritise servers and shared endpoints.
• Verify the fixed builds and KB numbers in the MSRC Security Update Guide before rollout.
• Check the support status of Windows 10 1607, 1809 and 21H2 on the Microsoft lifecycle pages. Plan upgrades where no further patches are provided.
• Monitor for unusual local privilege escalation or kernel crashes on exposed systems.

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-2026-95922 msrc.microsoft.com
• CVE Record: CVE-2026-95922 www.cve.org
• Strix: CVE-2026-95922 www.strix.ai
• Rapid7: Patch Tuesday November 2026 www.rapid7.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, 08:03.