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

CVE-2026-96126High 7.8

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Summary

A heap-based buffer overflow in the Windows Graphics Kernel allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges to a higher level on the affected system. The attacker needs code execution or a user session on the machine first, and any standard user account is sufficient. The flaw is rated 7.8 (High) by CVSS 3.1, and Microsoft has released patches.

Affected

  • Windows 10 Version 1607 (Server 2016 also affected): before 10.0.14393.9688
  • Windows 10 Version 1809 (Server 2019 also affected): before 10.0.17763.9487
  • Windows 10 Version 21H2: before 10.0.19044.7846
  • Windows 10 Version 22H2: before 10.0.19045.7846 (per third-party mirror, not verified against MSRC)
  • Windows 11 Version 23H2: before 10.0.22631.7711 (per CVE record and third-party mirror)
  • Windows 11 Version 24H2 and 25H2, Windows 11 26H2: fixed build per MSRC advisory (not verified)
  • Windows Server 2022: before 10.0.20348.5870 (per third-party mirror, not verified)
  • Windows Server 2025: unknown, sources conflict
  • Windows 11 Version 26H1: before 10.0.28000.3501 (per CVE record)

Fixed in

  • Patches are delivered through Windows Update in the November 2026 cycle (released 10 Nov 2026).
  • Exact fixed builds per product: see the MSRC advisory product table. Sources conflict for some versions.
  • KB numbers: Unknown.

Workaround

  • Unknown. No documented workaround or mitigation was found in the sources. Check the MSRC advisory's FAQ and mitigations section.

Exploitation

  • No evidence of in-the-wild exploitation was found.
  • No public proof-of-concept was found.
  • CISA SSVC assessment: exploitation none, not automatable, total technical impact.
  • CVSS 3.1 temporal exploit code maturity is Unproven (E:U).

Our recommendation

  • Install the November 2026 Windows security updates on all affected Windows 10, Windows 11 and Windows Server systems.
  • Prioritise multi-user systems, terminal servers (RDS) and servers.
  • Verify the fixed build for each version against the MSRC advisory before rollout.
  • Restrict local logon and limit standard user rights where possible.
  • Monitor for unusual privilege changes on endpoints.

Information from Microsoft (Patch Tuesday November 2026)

Severity (Microsoft)
Important
Impact
Elevation of privilege – Windows Graphics Kernel
Status on Patch Tuesday
Neither exploited nor publicly disclosed
Exploitability assessment
Exploitation more likely
Product family
Windows, Windows ESU (Extended Security Updates), Microsoft Office
Updates (KB)
KB5131291, KB5131085, KB5131096, KB5131090, KB5131087, KB5132061

Entry in the Microsoft Security Update Guide

Public exploits

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

Research sources

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, 02:32.

Original description (NVD)

Heap-based buffer overflow in Windows Graphics Kernel allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

NVD references (1)

Sources

The tracker combines official, freely usable data sources – updated continuously:

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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