Windows 10 1607
CVE-2026-20849
HIGH
Attack ChainAIDerived
Hypothetical attack flow derived from CVE metadata – not a confirmed exploit chain
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AccessAuthenticated attacker crafts malicious Kerberos token
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ExploitExploit untrusted input in security decision logic
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ExecutionBypass privilege validation checks
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ImpactElevate privileges to higher level
Vulnerability Assessment
| Weakness |
CWE
OWASP Top 10:2025
A06:2025 - Insecure Design
ASVS 5.0
V2 - Validation and Business Logic Trusted input validation
|
| Exploitation Conditions | Attacker must have valid domain credentials and network access to a Windows domain controller. Kerberos authentication must be enabled and the target system must process untrusted ticket data without proper validation of privilege elevation requests. |
| Impact | CVSS 7.5 (HIGH). Attack vector: Network. Complexity: High. Privileges required: Low. User interaction: None. Exploitable via remote/network. |
| Exploit ScenarioDerived | A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to compromise the affected system. |
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Alert meAnalysisAIv1 – Mar 12, 2026
Windows Kerberos authentication in multiple Windows versions accepts untrusted input during security decisions, enabling authenticated network attackers to escalate privileges without user interaction. The vulnerability affects Windows 10 (versions 1607 and 1809), Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2025, with no patch currently available. An attacker with valid credentials can exploit this to gain elevated system access across the network.
Earlier versions of this analysis (1)
Reliance on untrusted inputs in a security decision in Windows Kerberos allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
RemediationAI
Monitor vendor advisories for a patch. Restrict network access to the affected service where possible.
Affected Packages
Source: OSV (Open Source Vulnerabilities)
Affects your stack
Affects 16 packages in microsoft
Checking this CVE against your own stacks and servers is part of the Basic plan and up.
Technical ContextAI · show details
Affects Windows 10 1607. Reliance on untrusted inputs in a security decision in Windows Kerberos allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
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- Exploit and PoC references, threat intelligence from 22 sources
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Severity by source
AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Primary rating from Vendor (microsoft) · only source for this CVE.
CVSS VectorVendor: microsoft
DescriptionCVE.org
Reliance on untrusted inputs in a security decision in Windows Kerberos allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
Executive ViewAI
Organizations using Reliance on untrusted inputs in a security decision in Windows Kerberos face notable risk from CVE-2026-20849 rated CVSS 7.5. Exploitation could compromise the security of affected deployments. Organizations should apply vendor updates when available and consider compensating controls in the interim.
Apply vendor patch. If immediate patching is not feasible: (1) Implement network-level access controls to limit exposure; (2) Enable enhanced monitoring and alerting; (3) Apply principle of least privilege.
Threat Intelligence Overview
How this decision was reached
The engine reads each signal below and applies a fixed list of rules from top to bottom. The first rule that matches sets the recommended action – like a statement, every line is shown.
What every action level means
SSVC AssessmentENISA
Priority Score
Attack Technique
Information disclosure occurs when an application unintentionally exposes sensitive data that aids attackers in reconnaissance or directly compromises security.
Affected Products (CPE)CVE.org
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NVD
CVE.org
EPSS
VulDB
GitHub PoC
Exploit-DB