Actively exploited · Published Sep 8, 2026 · Assigned by microsoft

CVE-2026-81963Windows Update Stack Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

High 7.8 Exploited

In plain English

A high-severity improper access control in Windows 11 version 23H2 from Microsoft. Attackers are actively exploiting it in the wild (listed by CISA on September 8, 2026). The chance it is exploited in the next 30 days is estimated at 0.4% (higher than 34% of all known vulnerabilities). Ready-made attack tooling exists: public proof-of-concept code. Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.

Severity (CVSS 3.1)7.8High
Exploit odds (30 days)0.4%top 66.3% of all CVEs
Exploited in the wildYesCISA KEV since Sep 8, 2026
Attack tooling1Public PoC

CISA guidance

Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.

Federal agencies must remediate by Sep 22, 2026.

Official description

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Update Stack allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Affected products (as reported)

VendorProductVersions
Microsoft Windows 11 version 23H2 10.0.22631.0 – before 10.0.22631.7582
Microsoft Windows 11 Version 23H2 10.0.22631.0 – before 10.0.22631.7582
Microsoft Windows 11 Version 24H2 10.0.26100.0 – before 10.0.26100.9445
Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 10.0.26200.0 – before 10.0.26200.9445
Microsoft Windows 11 version 26H1 10.0.28000.0 – before 10.0.28000.2954
Microsoft Windows Server 2025 10.0.26100.0 – before 10.0.26100.33438
Microsoft Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation) 10.0.26100.0 – before 10.0.26100.33438

Weakness: CWE-59, CWE-284 · Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:F/RL:O/RC:C

References