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Windows CVE-2026-20874

HIGH
Race Condition (CWE-362)
2026-01-13 secure@microsoft.com
7.8
CVSS 3.1 · NVD
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Severity by source

NVD PRIMARY
7.8 HIGH
AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.

CVSS VectorNVD

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
Attack Vector
Local
Attack Complexity
High
Privileges Required
Low
User Interaction
None
Scope
Changed
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
High
Availability
High

Lifecycle Timeline

2
Analysis Generated
Mar 12, 2026 - 21:54 vuln.today
CVE Published
Jan 13, 2026 - 18:16 nvd
HIGH 7.8

DescriptionCVE.org

Concurrent execution using shared resource with improper synchronization ('race condition') in Windows Management Services allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

AnalysisAI

Privilege escalation in Windows Management Services on Windows 10 and 11 stems from improper synchronization of shared resources, enabling local authenticated attackers to gain elevated privileges. The race condition can be exploited without user interaction and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability across system boundaries. …

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Attack ChainAIDerived

Hypothetical attack flow derived from CVE metadata

Access
Gain local user access
Exploit
Identify race condition window in Windows Management Services
Execution
Execute privileged operation during synchronization gap
Impact
Escalate to SYSTEM privileges

Vulnerability AssessmentAI

Exploitation Authorized local user account required. … Additional conditions and limiting factors are described in the full assessment.
Risk Assessment CVSS 7.8 (HIGH). … Full risk analysis with EPSS, KEV, and SSVC signal comparison available after sign-in.
Exploit Scenario An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to compromise the affected system.
Remediation Monitor vendor advisories for a patch. Detailed patch versions, workarounds, and compensating controls in full report.

Recommended ActionAI

Within 7 days: Identify all affected systems and apply vendor patches promptly. …

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CVE-2026-20874 vulnerability details – vuln.today

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