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Windows BITS EUVDEUVD-2026-100097

| CVE-2026-88152 HIGH
Use After Free (CWE-416)
2026-10-13 secure@microsoft.com GHSA-662p-pqx7-392q
7.8
CVSS 3.1 · Vendor: microsoft
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Attack ChainAIDerived

Hypothetical attack flow derived from CVE metadata – not a confirmed exploit chain

  1. Access
    Obtain low-privileged local access
  2. Delivery
    Invoke vulnerable BITS code path
  3. Exploit
    Trigger use-after-free memory corruption
  4. Execution
    Hijack execution in BITS service
  5. Impact
    Elevate to SYSTEM privileges

Vulnerability Assessment

Weakness
CWE
ASVS 5.0
V15 - Secure Coding and Architecture Memory lifecycle management
MITRE ATT&CK

2 techniques across 2 tactics: Execution, Privilege Escalation

The technique list with ATT&CK links and the kill-chain view is part of the Basic plan and up.

Exploitation Conditions

Exploitation requires the attacker to already have local, authenticated low-privilege code execution on the target Windows host (AV:L, PR:L) - there is no remote or network-reachable path and no user interaction by a victim is needed (UI:N). The attacker must reach and trigger the vulnerable code path in the Background Intelligent Transfer Service, a service present by default on all supported Windows client and server editions, so no non-default configuration is required. The principal limiting factor is the prerequisite foothold: this is a post-access privilege-escalation primitive, not an initial-access vector, which substantially narrows realistic exploitation to environments where an attacker or malware is already running as a standard user. Patched builds are enumerated per Windows version (e.g., Windows 11 24H2 fixed in 10.0.26100.9711, Server 2022 in 10.0.20348.5761), so only pre-patch builds are exploitable.

Impact

This is a genuine patch-priority item but not an emergency. The CVSS vector (CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, base 7.8) describes a local privilege-escalation flaw: the attacker must already be able to run code on the host as a low-privileged authorized user (PR:L, AV:L), after which a use-after-free (CWE-416) in BITS yields high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact (total compromise of the local system). CISA's SSVC framework aligns with a measured posture: Exploitation=none (no observed or public exploitation), Automatable=no (cannot be mass/wormable because it needs local prior access), and Technical Impact=total (consistent with C:H/I:H/A:H). No EPSS score was supplied in the input, so exploitation probability cannot be quantified here. There is no CISA KEV listing and no POC indicator - no public exploit identified at time of analysis. The signals are therefore consistent with one another rather than conflicting: high local impact but a meaningful access precondition and no evidence of exploitation. As a Microsoft-patched BITS LPE it is the classic post-compromise privilege-escalation primitive attackers chain after initial access, so it should be prioritized in normal Patch Tuesday cadence for all Windows estates, but it does not warrant out-of-band emergency response on exploitation grounds alone.

Exploit ScenarioDerived

A low-privileged user (or malware already running in a standard user context after phishing or a separate initial-access bug) invokes the vulnerable BITS code path to trigger the use-after-free, corrupting memory to hijack execution in the privileged BITS service and gain SYSTEM-level privileges. Because the vector is local and requires existing authenticated access (AV:L/PR:L), it functions as a second-stage escalation rather than a remote entry point. No public exploit identified at time of analysis, so weaponization effort would currently fall on the attacker.

This Week Schedule remediation this week. Why: HIGH severity (CVSS 7.0-8.9).
Patch available 0.4% exploitation probability (EPSS)

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AnalysisAIv1 – Oct 13, 2026

A use-after-free in the Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) lets an attacker who already holds low-privilege local code execution on a Windows host elevate to a higher-integrity context, with high impact to confidentiality, integrity and availability (CVSS 3.1 base 7.8, AV:L/PR:L/UI:N). The service ships by default on every supported Windows client and server edition, but the flaw is a post-compromise escalation primitive rather than an initial-access vector - there is no remote or network-reachable path and no victim interaction is required, so exploitation is limited to hosts where an attacker or malware is already running as a standard user on a pre-patch build. Microsoft has released fixes; no public exploit code or confirmed in-the-wild activity has been identified at time of analysis (CISA SSVC exploitation: none, automatable: no), making this a genuine patch-priority item rather than an emergency. Patched builds are enumerated per Windows version (for example Windows 11 24H2 fixed in 10.0.26100.9711, Windows Server 2022 in 10.0.20348.5761), so only unpatched systems remain exposed.

RemediationAI

Apply the Microsoft security update for CVE-2026-88152 through Windows Update, Microsoft Update, WSUS or Configuration Manager; upgrade each host to at least its platform-specific fixed build - 10.0.19044.7807 (Windows 10 21H2/22H2), 10.0.17763.9376 (Windows 10 1809 / Server 2019, including Server Core), 10.0.14393.9612 (Windows Server 2016 and Windows 10 1607, including Server Core), 10.0.22631.7652 (Windows 11 23H2), 10.0.26100.9711 (Windows 11 24H2), 10.0.26200.9711 (Windows 11 25H2), 10.0.28000.3231 (Windows 11 26H1), 10.0.26300.9711 (Windows 11 26H2), 10.0.20348.5761 (Windows Server 2022), 10.0.26100.33650 (Windows Server 2025 and Server Core), 6.3.9600.23470 (Windows Server 2012 R2 and Server Core) and 6.2.9200.26434 (Windows Server 2012 and Server Core); confirm the full guidance at https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-88152 and track the mirrored record at https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-88152. Disabling the BITS service is not a viable workaround here: it is a default component consumed by Windows Update, WSUS, Configuration Manager and Delivery Optimization, so stopping it will break patching and content-delivery workflows, and because the vulnerable code is reachable from standard-user callers the service cannot simply be restricted to administrators without collateral breakage. Because exploitation demands an existing local foothold, the highest-value compensating controls are pre-emptive: enforce least privilege so standard users cannot run arbitrary code, restrict interactive/RDP logon and local administrative rights on servers, deploy application control (WDAC/AppLocker) or EDR behavioural rules that flag unusual BITS COM API abuse and process injection into svchost, and apply the update urgently to any host where an attacker may already have a user-level foothold. Prioritise internet-facing and multi-user systems for immediate patching; the update carries no known functional regression beyond the usual reboot requirement for a serviced Windows component.

Affected VersionsENISA

Windows 10 Version 22H2 10.0.19045.0 <10.0.19044.7807
Windows 11 Version 24H2 10.0.26100.0 <10.0.26100.9711
Windows 11 version 26H1 10.0.28000.0 <10.0.28000.3231
Windows 10 Version 1607 10.0.14393.0 <10.0.14393.9612
Windows Server 2016 (Server Core installation) 10.0.14393.0 <10.0.14393.9612
Windows Server 2012 R2 6.3.9600.0 <6.3.9600.23470
Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation) 6.3.9600.0 <6.3.9600.23470
Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation) 6.2.9200.0 <6.2.9200.26434
Windows 11 Version 26H2 10.0.26300.0 <10.0.26300.9711
Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation) 10.0.17763.0 <10.0.17763.9376
Windows Server 2016 10.0.14393.0 <10.0.14393.9612
Windows 11 Version 25H2 10.0.26200.0 <10.0.26200.9711
Windows 10 Version 21H2 10.0.19044.0 <10.0.19044.7807
Windows Server 2025 10.0.26100.0 <10.0.26100.33650
Windows Server 2019 10.0.17763.0 <10.0.17763.9376
Windows Server 2022 10.0.20348.0 <10.0.20348.5761
Windows 10 Version 1809 10.0.17763.0 <10.0.17763.9376
Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation) 10.0.26100.0 <10.0.26100.33650
Windows 11 Version 23H2 10.0.22631.0 <10.0.22631.7652
Windows Server 2012 6.2.9200.0 <6.2.9200.26434

Affected Packages

euvd windows_10_version_1607 fix: 10.0.14393.9612
euvd windows_10_version_1809 fix: 10.0.17763.9376
euvd windows_10_version_21h2 fix: 10.0.19044.7807
euvd windows_10_version_22h2 fix: 10.0.19044.7807
euvd windows_11_version_23h2 fix: 10.0.22631.7652
euvd windows_11_version_24h2 fix: 10.0.26100.9711
euvd windows_11_version_25h2 fix: 10.0.26200.9711
euvd windows_11_version_26h1 fix: 10.0.28000.3231
euvd windows_11_version_26h2 fix: 10.0.26300.9711
euvd windows_server_2012 fix: 6.2.9200.26434
euvd windows_server_2012_r2 fix: 6.3.9600.23470
euvd windows_server_2012_r2_server_core_installation fix: 6.3.9600.23470
euvd windows_server_2012_server_core_installation fix: 6.2.9200.26434
euvd windows_server_2016 fix: 10.0.14393.9612
euvd windows_server_2016_server_core_installation fix: 10.0.14393.9612
euvd windows_server_2019 fix: 10.0.17763.9376
euvd windows_server_2019_server_core_installation fix: 10.0.17763.9376
euvd windows_server_2022 fix: 10.0.20348.5761
euvd windows_server_2025 fix: 10.0.26100.33650
euvd windows_server_2025_server_core_installation fix: 10.0.26100.33650

Source: OSV (Open Source Vulnerabilities)

Affects your stack

Affects 20 packages in euvd

Checking this CVE against your own stacks and servers is part of the Basic plan and up.

Technical ContextAI · show details

The root cause is CWE-416, Use After Free - a memory-safety defect in which a heap object is freed but a stale pointer to it is subsequently dereferenced, allowing an attacker to shape heap contents and induce memory corruption (tagged in the source data as memory corruption and denial-of-service, with potential for arbitrary code execution in the hosting process). The affected component is the Background Intelligent Transfer Service, a long-standing Windows service that applications, Windows Update, WSUS, Configuration Manager and Delivery Optimization use to transfer files asynchronously in the background; it is present by default on all supported client and server editions, so no non-default configuration is required to reach the vulnerable code path. BITS exposes COM interfaces to unprivileged callers while its service logic runs in a privileged context, which is exactly the trust boundary this bug crosses: an authenticated low-privilege local attacker (CVSS PR:L, AV:L, UI:N) can drive BITS APIs with crafted parameters to trigger the dangling-pointer reuse and gain code execution in the broker/service context, achieving elevation of privilege. Because the primitive requires an existing foothold, it is best characterized as a defender-relevant escalation stage in a multi-step intrusion chain rather than a standalone compromise vector. The authoritative vendor record is the Microsoft Security Response Center update guide (https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-88152), with the EU vulnerability database entry EUVD-2026-100097 and NVD record (https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-88152) mirroring the affected build matrix.

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  • Exploit and PoC references, threat intelligence from 22 sources

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Severity by source

Vendor (microsoft) PRIMARY 7.8 HIGH
AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
vuln.today AI 7.8 HIGH

Local-only use-after-free (AV:L) needing a low-privileged authenticated foothold (PR:L) with no user interaction, yielding SYSTEM-level total compromise (C:H/I:H/A:H), scope unchanged within the OS.

3.1 AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
4.0 AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N

Primary rating from Vendor (microsoft).

CVSS VectorVendor: microsoft

Attack Vector
Local
Attack Complexity
Low
Privileges Required
Low
User Interaction
None
Scope
Unchanged
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
High
Availability
High

Lifecycle Timeline

2
Patch available
Oct 13, 2026 - 20:20 EUVD
CVE Published
Oct 13, 2026 - 19:21 cve.org
HIGH 7.8

DescriptionCVE.org

Use after free in Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Executive ViewAI

Why It Matters

Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) contains a use-after-free vulnerability (CVE-2026-88152) that could allow an attacker already running as a standard user on a Windows host to elevate privileges, potentially leading to broader system compromise, data exposure, or service disruption. Because BITS is enabled by default across supported Windows client and server editions, unpatched endpoints represent a post-compromise escalation risk rather than a new external entry point; no public exploit has been identified at time of analysis. Leadership should prioritize patching through standard vulnerability management, especially for high-value or already compromised systems.

Business Impact: High
Compensating Controls

Apply vendor patch.

Threat Intelligence Overview

EPSS Score
0.4%
Top 72% exploitable
Prevalence
Ubiquitous
BITS is a built-in component of every supported Windows client and server
Vendor Status
Publicly Disclosed:No
Exploited:No
Latest Software Release:Exploitation More Likely
Data Quality
5 sources
Confidence: Medium

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.

SignalValue
Severity HIGH
CISA KEV No
Public POC No
EPSS 0.4%
Patch available Yes
Active threat No
Deciding rule
HIGH severity (CVSS 7.0-8.9)
What every action level means
Emergency Immediate action required. Criteria: CRITICAL + in CISA KEV (actively exploited) without patch, OR CRITICAL + EPSS > 30% without patch, OR CRITICAL + active threat signals without patch.
Act Now Prioritize within 24-48h. Criteria: in KEV with patch available, OR CRITICAL + public POC, OR HIGH + EPSS > 10%, OR CRITICAL + active threat, OR any CRITICAL severity.
This Week Schedule remediation this week. Criteria: HIGH severity (CVSS 7.0-8.9). Patch within normal change window.
This Month Plan within 30 days. Criteria: MEDIUM severity (CVSS 4.0-6.9), lower exploitation probability. Include in regular patch cycle.
Monitor Track and reassess. Criteria: LOW severity (CVSS 0.1-3.9), minimal exploitation risk. No immediate action needed.

SSVC AssessmentENISA

SSVC Decision
Defer
Exploitation
None
System Exposure· derived
Small
Automatable
No
Human Impact
High
Technical Impact
Total

Priority Score

39
Low Medium High Critical
KEV: 0
EPSS: 0
CVSS: +39
PoC: 0
Weaponized: 0
Threat intel: 0
Gov advisory: 0

Attack Technique

Use-after-free vulnerabilities occur when a program continues to access memory through a pointer after that memory has been deallocated.

Memory corruption occurs when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of allocated memory regions or accesses memory in unintended ways, violating the integrity of the process's address space.

Denial of Service attacks render applications or systems unavailable by overwhelming resources or triggering failure conditions.

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