CVE-2026-85362

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-763

Impact

A local attacker with existing low-level credentials can elevate privileges to system level. They require authenticated local execution access on the target machine.

Root cause

Windows Management Instrumentation improperly frees memory by releasing an invalid pointer or reference.

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 official Microsoft security update for Windows Management Instrumentation referenced in CVE-2026-85362; no temporary workaround or configuration mitigation is documented.

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

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NVD description

Release of invalid pointer or reference in Windows Management Instrumentation allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-85362

Source: nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-85362