CVE-2026-32154
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 Any operations using the original pointer are no longer valid because the memory "belongs" to the code that operates on the new pointer.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
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
An attacker who exploits this vulnerability can gain higher privileges on the system than they are normally allowed. This can lead to full control over the affected system, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
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.
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
This vulnerability allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally via a use after free in Desktop Window Manager.
To mitigate this vulnerability, it is recommended to apply the security updates provided by Microsoft as detailed in their official update guide.
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 the Desktop Window Manager.
Such an elevation of privilege could potentially lead to unauthorized access or modification of sensitive data, which may impact compliance with standards and regulations like GDPR and HIPAA that require protection of personal and health information.
However, the provided information does not explicitly describe the direct effects on compliance with these standards.