CVE-2026-26181
Use-After-Free in Microsoft Brokering File System Elevates Privileges
Publication date: 2026-04-14
Last updated on: 2026-04-23
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_23h2 | to 10.0.25398.2274 (exc) |
| microsoft | windows_server_2025 | to 10.0.26100.32690 (exc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-416 | The product reuses or references memory after it has been freed. At some point afterward, the memory may be allocated again and saved in another pointer, while the original pointer references a location somewhere within the new allocation. Any operations using the original pointer are no longer valid because the memory "belongs" to the code that operates on the new pointer. |
| CWE-362 | The product contains a concurrent code sequence that requires temporary, exclusive access to a shared resource, but a timing window exists in which the shared resource can be modified by another code sequence operating concurrently. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
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 use after free in Microsoft Brokering File System.
Such elevation of privilege vulnerabilities can potentially impact compliance with standards like GDPR and HIPAA by increasing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data.
However, no specific information about direct effects on compliance with these regulations is provided in the available resources.
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
This vulnerability is a use-after-free issue in the Microsoft Brokering File System. It allows an authorized attacker to elevate their privileges locally on the affected system.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
An attacker who exploits this vulnerability can gain higher privileges on the local system than they are normally authorized to have. This elevation of privilege can lead to full control over the affected system, potentially allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code, access sensitive data, or disrupt system operations.
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
To mitigate this vulnerability, apply the security updates provided by Microsoft as soon as possible to address the use after free issue in the Microsoft Brokering File System.
Since the vulnerability allows local privilege escalation, ensure that only trusted users have local access to affected systems and monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts.