CVE-2026-96218
Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

Improper Access Control in Windows Update Stack

Publication date: 2026-10-13

Last updated on: 2026-10-16

Assigner: Microsoft Corporation

Description
Improper access control in Windows Update Stack 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
2026-10-13
EPSS Evaluated
2026-10-18
NVD
CVE-2026-96218
EUVD
EUVD-2026-99747

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 21 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
microsoft windows_10_1809 to 10.0.17763.9376 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_1809 to 10.0.17763.9376 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_21h2 to 10.0.19044.7807 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_21h2 to 10.0.19044.7807 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_21h2 to 10.0.19044.7807 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_23h2 to 10.0.22631.7652 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_23h2 to 10.0.22631.7652 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_24h2 to 10.0.26100.9711 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_24h2 to 10.0.26100.9711 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_25h2 to 10.0.26200.9711 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_25h2 to 10.0.26200.9711 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_26h1 to 10.0.28000.3231 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_26h1 to 10.0.28000.3231 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_26h2 to 10.0.26300.9711 (exc)
microsoft windows_11_26h2 to 10.0.26300.9711 (exc)
microsoft windows_server_2019 to 10.0.17763.9376 (exc)
microsoft windows_server_2025 to 10.0.26100.33650 (exc)
microsoft windows_server_2022 to 10.0.20348.5761 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_22h2 to 10.0.19045.7807 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_22h2 to 10.0.19045.7807 (exc)
microsoft windows_10_22h2 to 10.0.19045.7807 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-15 One or more system settings or configuration elements can be externally controlled by a user.

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Executive Summary

This vulnerability is an improper access control issue in the Windows Update Stack. An authorized attacker with local access can tamper with the update process, potentially altering or manipulating updates.

Impact Analysis

An attacker could modify system updates to install malicious software, disable security features, or prevent critical updates from being applied. This could lead to system compromise or reduced security.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could violate compliance requirements that mandate secure and unaltered software updates, such as those in GDPR or HIPAA. Tampering with updates may lead to data breaches or unauthorized changes, risking non-compliance.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest Windows updates from Microsoft to patch the improper access control in the Windows Update Stack. Monitor Microsoft's security advisories for updates related to CVE-2026-96218.

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