CVE-2026-26166
Double Free in Windows Shell Enables Local Privilege Escalation
Publication date: 2026-04-14
Last updated on: 2026-04-24
Assigner: Microsoft Corporation
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| microsoft | windows_11_23h2 | to 10.0.22631.6936 (exc) |
| microsoft | windows_11_23h2 | to 10.0.22631.6936 (exc) |
| microsoft | windows_11_24h2 | to 10.0.26100.8246 (exc) |
| microsoft | windows_11_24h2 | to 10.0.26100.8246 (exc) |
| microsoft | windows_11_25h2 | to 10.0.26200.8246 (exc) |
| microsoft | windows_11_25h2 | to 10.0.26200.8246 (exc) |
| microsoft | windows_11_26h1 | to 10.0.28000.1836 (exc) |
| microsoft | windows_11_26h1 | to 10.0.28000.1836 (exc) |
| microsoft | windows_server_2022 | to 10.0.20348.5020 (exc) |
| microsoft | windows_server_2022_23h2 | to 10.0.25398.2274 (exc) |
| microsoft | windows_server_2025 | to 10.0.26100.32690 (exc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-415 | The product calls free() twice on the same memory address. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
This vulnerability is a double free issue in the Windows Shell component. It allows an authorized attacker to perform a local privilege escalation by exploiting the double free condition.
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
The vulnerability is a double free in Windows Shell that allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
To mitigate this vulnerability, it is recommended to apply the security updates provided by Microsoft as soon as possible.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
The vulnerability allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally through a double free in Windows Shell.
Such elevation of privilege vulnerabilities can potentially lead to unauthorized access or modification of sensitive data, which may impact compliance with standards like GDPR and HIPAA that require strict access controls and protection of personal and health information.
However, no specific information is provided about direct compliance impacts or mitigation measures related to these regulations.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
The impact of this vulnerability is that an attacker with some level of access to the system can elevate their privileges to a higher level, potentially gaining full control over the affected system.