Vulnerability · Published May 12, 2026 · Assigned by microsoft
CVE-2026-41096Windows DNS Client Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Critical 9.8
In plain English
A critical-severity heap buffer overflow in Windows 11 version 23H2 from Microsoft. There are no confirmed reports of exploitation so far. The chance it is exploited in the next 30 days is estimated at 2.7% (higher than 86% of all known vulnerabilities). Ready-made attack tooling exists: public proof-of-concept code.
Severity (CVSS 3.1)9.8Critical
Exploit odds (30 days)2.7%top 14.0% of all CVEs
Exploited in the wildNo reportsCISA SSVC: none
Attack tooling1Public PoC
Official description
Heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Windows DNS allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
Affected products (as reported)
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | Windows 11 version 23H2 | 10.0.22631.0 – before 10.0.22631.7079 |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 Version 23H2 | 10.0.22631.0 – before 10.0.22631.7219 |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 Version 24H2 | 10.0.26100.0 – before 10.0.26100.8457 |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 Version 25H2 | 10.0.26200.0 – before 10.0.26200.8457 |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 version 26H1 | 10.0.28000.0 – before 10.0.28000.2113 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2022, 23H2 Edition (Server Core installation) | 10.0.25398.0 – before 10.0.25398.2330 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2025 | 10.0.26100.0 – before 10.0.26100.32860 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation) | 10.0.26100.0 – before 10.0.26100.32860 |
Weakness: CWE-122 · Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C
References
- Windows DNS Client Remote Code Execution Vulnerability vendor-advisory, patch