CVE-2026-88162
Undergoing Analysis Undergoing Analysis - In Progress

Improper Authorization in Windows EFS Allows Tampering

Publication date: 2026-10-13

Last updated on: 2026-10-16

Assigner: Microsoft Corporation

Description
Improper authorization in Windows Encrypting File System (EFS) allows an authorized attacker to perform tampering 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-2026-88162
EUVD
EUVD-2026-99593

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 17 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 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-863 The product performs an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action, but it does not correctly perform the check.

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Executive Summary

This vulnerability involves improper authorization in Windows Encrypting File System (EFS). An authorized attacker can locally tamper with encrypted files due to insufficient access controls.

Impact Analysis

An attacker with local access could modify encrypted files without proper authorization, potentially altering or corrupting sensitive data while appearing legitimate.

Compliance Impact

This could violate integrity requirements in GDPR and HIPAA by allowing unauthorized tampering of encrypted sensitive data, risking non-compliance and data breaches.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest security updates from Microsoft to patch the EFS authorization flaw. Monitor Microsoft's advisory for patches and install them promptly.

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