CVE-2026-96309

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 an account can gain full elevated privileges on the host system. They need existing local access to execute the exploit.

Root cause

A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the Windows Subsystem for Linux component.

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

Apply the official patch from the Microsoft Security Update Guide advisory. If patching must wait, restrict local access to the affected Windows hosts or disable the Windows Subsystem for Linux feature.

shell

$ wsl --update

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 Subsystem for Linux allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96309PatchVendor Advisory

Source: nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-96309