Information Disclosure via Error Messages in Windows Kernel

Publication date: 2026-01-13

Last updated on: 2026-01-13

Assigner: Microsoft Corporation

Description

Generation of error message containing sensitive information in Windows Kernel allows an authorized attacker to disclose information locally.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-01-13

Last Modified

2026-01-13

Generated

2026-07-06

AI Q&A

2026-01-14

EPSS Evaluated

2026-07-05

NVD

CVE-2026-20838

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
microsoft	windows_kernel	*

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-209	The product generates an error message that includes sensitive information about its environment, users, or associated data.

Attack-Flow Graph

Compliance Impact

The vulnerability allows local disclosure of sensitive information through error messages in the Windows Kernel, which could potentially lead to non-compliance with standards and regulations that require protection of sensitive data, such as GDPR and HIPAA. However, specific impacts on compliance are not detailed in the provided resources. [1]

Executive Summary

This vulnerability involves the Windows Kernel generating error messages that contain sensitive information. An authorized attacker with local access can exploit this to disclose sensitive information. [1]

Impact Analysis

The vulnerability can lead to information disclosure, allowing an authorized local attacker to access sensitive information that should not be exposed. [1]

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