CVE-2026-85842
Undergoing Analysis Undergoing Analysis - In Progress

Use of Externally-Controlled Format String in Windows Image Acquisition

Publication date: 2026-10-13

Last updated on: 2026-10-16

Assigner: Microsoft Corporation

Description
Use of externally-controlled format string in Windows Image Acquisition allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

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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
CVE-2026-85842
EUVD
EUVD-2026-99548

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 10 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
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 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-134 The product uses a function that accepts a format string as an argument, but the format string originates from an external source.

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Executive Summary

This vulnerability involves the use of an externally-controlled format string in Windows Image Acquisition. An authorized attacker can exploit this to elevate their privileges locally on an affected system.

Impact Analysis

An attacker could gain higher-level access to your system, allowing them to perform unauthorized actions such as installing programs, viewing or deleting data, or creating new accounts with full user rights.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest security updates from Microsoft to patch the Windows Image Acquisition component. Monitor Microsoft's update guide for the specific patch release.

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