CVE-2026-68836
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Heap-based Buffer Overflow in Windows Kernel32.dll

Vulnerability report for CVE-2026-68836, including description, CVSS score, EPSS score, affected products, exploitability, helpful resources, and attack-flow context.

Publication date: 2026-10-13

Last updated on: 2026-10-16

Assigner: Microsoft Corporation

Description

Heap-based buffer overflow in Windows kernel32.dll allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published
2026-10-13
Last Modified
2026-10-16
Generated
2026-10-19
AI Q&A
2026-10-14
EPSS Evaluated
2026-10-18
NVD
EUVD

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 21 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607 10.0.14393.0
Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 10.0.17763.0
Microsoft Windows 10 Version 21H2 10.0.19044.0
Microsoft Windows 10 Version 22H2 10.0.19045.0
Microsoft Windows 11 version 23H2 10.0.22631.0
Microsoft Windows 11 Version 23H2 10.0.22631.0
Microsoft Windows 11 Version 24H2 10.0.26100.0
Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 10.0.26200.0
Microsoft Windows 11 version 26H1 10.0.28000.0
Microsoft Windows 11 Version 26H2 10.0.26300.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 6.2.9200.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation) 6.2.9200.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 6.3.9600.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation) 6.3.9600.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2016 10.0.14393.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2016 (Server Core installation) 10.0.14393.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2019 10.0.17763.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation) 10.0.17763.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2022 10.0.20348.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2025 10.0.26100.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation) 10.0.26100.0

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-122 A heap overflow condition is a buffer overflow, where the buffer that can be overwritten is allocated in the heap portion of memory, generally meaning that the buffer was allocated using a routine such as malloc().

Attack-Flow Graph

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Executive Summary

This is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the Windows kernel32.dll component. It allows an authorized attacker with local access to escalate their privileges on the system.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability involves a heap-based buffer overflow in Windows kernel32.dll. Detection typically requires analyzing system memory for abnormal behavior or known exploit patterns. Use tools like Windows Event Viewer to check for crashes or errors in kernel32.dll. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint can also detect anomalous activity related to privilege escalation attempts.

Impact Analysis

An attacker could exploit this to gain higher-level permissions on your system, potentially allowing them to install programs, view or delete data, or create new accounts with full user rights.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability allows local privilege escalation via a heap-based buffer overflow in kernel32.dll. Such attacks could enable unauthorized access to sensitive data or system functions, potentially violating data protection requirements under GDPR and HIPAA if exploited.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest security updates from Microsoft to patch kernel32.dll. Monitor Microsoft's update guide for the official patch and install it immediately.

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