CVE-2026-96953

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-476

Impact

A local attacker with standard user access can execute arbitrary code in the context of the Windows kernel or crash the system. They must already have local logon access to the host.

Root cause

A null pointer dereference flaw exists in the Windows Universal Disk Format File System Driver (UDFS).

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 Response Center advisory (CVE-2026-96953). As an interim mitigation, restrict local access or disable mounting of untrusted UDF media if possible.

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

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NVD description

Null pointer dereference in Windows Universal Disk Format File System Driver (UDFS) allows an authorized attacker to execute code locally.

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96953PatchVendor Advisory

Source: nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-96953