CVE-2026-96308

7.8High

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

7.8High

Attack vector: Local
Complexity: Low
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 valid local credentials on the target machine.

Root cause

A use-after-free flaw in the Windows Installer service triggers memory corruption during execution.

Affected systems

Versions not listed — check the vendor advisory.

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

Fix & remediation

Install the security update from the Microsoft Security Update Guide (CVE-2026-96308); no interim workaround is provided.

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-2026-96308PatchVendor Advisory

Source: nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-96308