CVE-2026-85361

7.0High

Published 13 Oct 2026 · NVD status: Undergoing Analysis · AI triage by gemini-3.8-flash

7.0High

Attack vector: Local
Complexity: High
Privileges needed: Low
User interaction: None
Impact: Full C/I/A compromise
Weakness: CWE-416

Impact

A local attacker with standard user access can elevate privileges to SYSTEM. They need prior code execution or an account on the local Windows machine.

Root cause

A use-after-free condition exists in Windows Installer when handling memory objects.

Affected systems

Versions not listed — check the vendor advisory.

CVSS v3.1 · CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Fix & remediation

Install the Microsoft security update for Windows Installer referenced in CVE-2026-85361; no workaround or mitigation is currently documented.

AI-suggested. Run it in staging first and check it against the vendor advisory. Why?

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NVD description

Use after free in Windows Installer allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-85361

Source: nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-85361