CVE-2026-96218
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Improper Access Control in Windows Update Stack

Publication date: 2026-10-13

Last updated on: 2026-10-13

Assigner: Microsoft Corporation

Description
Improper access control in Windows Update Stack allows an authorized attacker to perform tampering locally.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-10-13
Last Modified
2026-10-13
Generated
2026-10-14
AI Q&A
2026-10-13
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-96218
EUVD
EUVD-2026-99747

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 14 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 10.0.17763.0
Microsoft Windows 10 Version 21H2 10.0.19044.0
Microsoft Windows 10 Version 22H2 10.0.19045.0
Microsoft Windows 11 version 23H2 10.0.22631.0
Microsoft Windows 11 Version 23H2 10.0.22631.0
Microsoft Windows 11 Version 24H2 10.0.26100.0
Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 10.0.26200.0
Microsoft Windows 11 version 26H1 10.0.28000.0
Microsoft Windows 11 Version 26H2 10.0.26300.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2019 10.0.17763.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation) 10.0.17763.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2022 10.0.20348.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2025 10.0.26100.0
Microsoft Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation) 10.0.26100.0

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-15 One or more system settings or configuration elements can be externally controlled by a user.

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Executive Summary

This vulnerability is an improper access control issue in the Windows Update Stack. An authorized attacker with local access can tamper with the update process, potentially altering or manipulating updates.

Impact Analysis

An attacker could modify system updates to install malicious software, disable security features, or prevent critical updates from being applied. This could lead to system compromise or reduced security.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could violate compliance requirements that mandate secure and unaltered software updates, such as those in GDPR or HIPAA. Tampering with updates may lead to data breaches or unauthorized changes, risking non-compliance.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest Windows updates from Microsoft to patch the improper access control in the Windows Update Stack. Monitor Microsoft's security advisories for updates related to CVE-2026-96218.

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