CVE-2026-32152
Use-After-Free in Desktop Window Manager Enables Local Privilege Escalation
Publication date: 2026-04-14
Last updated on: 2026-04-14
Assigner: Microsoft Corporation
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| microsoft | desktop_window_manager | * |
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 Any operations using the original pointer are no longer valid because the memory "belongs" to the code that operates on the new pointer. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
This vulnerability is a use-after-free issue in the Desktop Window Manager component. It allows an authorized attacker to elevate their privileges locally on the affected system.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
An attacker who already has some level of access to the system could exploit this vulnerability to gain higher privileges. This could lead to full control over the system, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code, access sensitive information, 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 Desktop Window Manager.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
This vulnerability allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally through a use after free issue in the Desktop Window Manager.
Elevation of privileges can potentially lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, which may impact compliance with standards and regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA that require protection of personal and health information.
However, specific impacts on compliance are not detailed in the provided information.