Product:
Windows Shell
Summary
Use after free in Windows Shell allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally. This vulnerability can lead to significant security risks if exploited. It is crucial for users to be aware of the potential impacts of this issue.
Details
| Severity | Base Score | CVE |
|---|---|---|
| HIGH | 7 | CVE-2026-26165 |
Exploitation
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must have local access to the system and can leverage the use after free condition to gain elevated privileges. This requires a high level of attack complexity, as the attacker must navigate the local environment effectively. Once the vulnerability is triggered, the attacker can execute arbitrary code with elevated permissions.
Affected Products
- Windows Shell: Vulnerable to privilege escalation due to use after free condition.
Mitigation
To mitigate this vulnerability, users should ensure that their systems are updated with the latest security patches from Microsoft. Regularly applying updates and following best security practices can help reduce the risk of exploitation.