CVE-2026-57968

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

Buffer Over-Read in Windows Subsystem for Linux

Publication date: 2026-07-14

Last updated on: 2026-07-20

Assigner: Microsoft Corporation

Description

Buffer over-read in Windows Subsystem for Linux allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
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Meta Information

Published

2026-07-14

Last Modified

2026-07-20

Generated

2026-08-04

AI Q&A

2026-07-15

EPSS Evaluated

2026-08-02

NVD

CVE-2026-57968

EUVD

EUVD-2026-44279

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
microsoft	windows_subsystem_for_linux	to 2.7.8 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-126	The product reads from a buffer using buffer access mechanisms such as indexes or pointers that reference memory locations after the targeted buffer.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This is a buffer over-read vulnerability in the Windows Subsystem for Linux. It allows an authorized attacker to elevate their privileges locally by reading beyond the intended memory buffer.

Detection Guidance

Detection of this vulnerability requires checking for unauthorized privilege escalation attempts in Windows Subsystem for Linux. Monitor logs for unusual activity in WSL processes and review system calls for buffer over-read patterns. No specific commands are provided in the available resources.

Impact Analysis

An attacker with local access could exploit this to gain higher privileges on your system, potentially allowing them to install programs, view or delete data, or create new accounts with full user rights.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access or data breaches, which may violate compliance requirements under GDPR or HIPAA if sensitive data is exposed or altered.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest security updates from Microsoft for Windows Subsystem for Linux to patch the buffer over-read vulnerability. Monitor Microsoft's update guide for patches and install them promptly.

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