Product:
Windows Shell
Summary
A double free vulnerability in Windows Shell allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally. This can lead to unauthorized access and control over the affected system. The vulnerability poses significant risks due to its high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Details
| Severity | Base Score | CVE |
|---|---|---|
| HIGH | 7 | CVE-2026-26166 |
Exploitation
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must have local access to the system and be authorized. By manipulating the memory management of the Windows Shell, the attacker can trigger the double free condition, leading to privilege escalation. This requires a high level of technical skill and knowledge of the system’s internals.
Affected Products
- Windows Shell: The primary component affected, allowing for privilege escalation if exploited.
Mitigation
To mitigate this vulnerability, users should ensure that their systems are updated with the latest security patches from Microsoft. Regularly monitoring for updates and applying them promptly can help protect against potential exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.