Use After Free
Use-after-free vulnerabilities occur when a program continues to access memory through a pointer after that memory has been deallocated.
How It Works
Use-after-free vulnerabilities occur when a program continues to access memory through a pointer after that memory has been deallocated. When memory is freed, it returns to the allocator's pool and may be reallocated for an entirely different purpose. The original pointer becomes "dangling"—it still points to that memory location, but the contents are now undefined or controlled by different code.
Attackers exploit this by orchestrating a three-step process: first, trigger the memory deallocation; second, cause the allocator to reassign that same memory region with attacker-controlled data (often through carefully timed allocations); third, trigger the program to dereference the dangling pointer. Because the memory now contains attacker data instead of the expected object, this can corrupt function pointers, vtables, or other critical structures.
The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in object-oriented code where freed objects contain function pointers or virtual method tables. When the program calls a method on the freed object, it may jump to attacker-controlled addresses. Browser engines are frequent targets because DOM manipulation allows attackers to control object allocation and deallocation timing through JavaScript, while kernel UAFs enable privilege escalation by manipulating file descriptors or process structures.
Impact
- Arbitrary code execution — attacker overwrites function pointers or vtables to redirect program flow to malicious code
- Privilege escalation — in kernel UAFs, gain root/system privileges by corrupting process credentials or security tokens
- Information disclosure — read sensitive data from reallocated memory that wasn't properly cleared
- Sandbox escape — break out of browser or application sandboxes by corrupting security-critical objects
- Denial of service — crash the application through memory corruption, though attackers typically aim for exploitation rather than simple crashes
Real-World Examples
CVE-2021-30551 affected Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine, where improper handling of JavaScript typed arrays created a use-after-free in object property management. Attackers could trigger object deletion while retaining references, then reallocate the memory with controlled data to achieve code execution within the renderer process.
Windows kernel vulnerabilities like CVE-2020-17087 involved use-after-free conditions in the Windows keyboard layout handling code. Attackers exploited race conditions in keyboard layout switching to free kernel objects while retaining references, then reallocated the memory with controlled structures to elevate privileges from user to SYSTEM level.
The WhatsApp vulnerability CVE-2019-11932 demonstrated UAF exploitation in media parsing code, where specially crafted GIF files triggered premature memory deallocation. Subsequent access to the freed buffers allowed remote code execution without user interaction beyond receiving the malicious file.
Mitigation
- Memory-safe languages — use Rust, Go, Swift, or other languages with automatic memory management
- Smart pointers — employ RAII patterns and reference counting (unique_ptr, shared_ptr in C++)
- AddressSanitizer (ASAN) — detect UAF during testing through instrumented builds
- Immediate pointer nullification — set pointers to NULL after free() to cause immediate crashes rather than exploitable conditions
- Garbage collection — languages with GC prevent manual memory management errors
- Control Flow Integrity (CFI) — limits exploit impact by validating function pointer targets
- Heap hardening — allocator metadata protection and delayed reuse policies increase exploitation difficulty
Recent CVEs (6124)
Heap buffer over-read in the ngx_http_ssi_module of NGINX Open Source and NGINX Plus lets an unauthenticated man-in-the-middle attacker who can control upstream responses corrupt worker-process memory or crash the worker, but only in the non-default configuration combining Server-Side Includes, proxy_pass, and proxy_buffering off. The impact is confined to the data plane with no control-plane exposure, yielding limited memory modification and worker restarts (denial of service) rather than full code execution. No public exploit identified at time of analysis, though a vendor patch is available and the flaw carries a CVSS 4.0 score of 8.3.
Use-after-free in ImageMagick's FreeType integration path allows remote denial of service against image processing pipelines using vulnerable 6.x or 7.x releases. When FreeType initialization fails during an image processing operation, the affected code path neglects to exit cleanly and continues referencing already-freed memory, causing process corruption or crash. No public exploit identified at time of analysis; the CVSS 4.0 score of 6.3 with AC:H and AT:P reflects meaningful preconditions required to trigger the failure path.
Use after free in UI in Google Chrome on Linux prior to 150.0.7871.125 allowed a remote attacker who convinced a user to engage in specific UI gestures to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
Use after free in Skia in Google Chrome prior to 150.0.7871.125 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to potentially perform a sandbox escape via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
Use after free in Core in Google Chrome on Windows prior to 150.0.7871.125 allowed a remote attacker to potentially perform a sandbox escape via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
Use after free in GPU in Google Chrome on Android prior to 150.0.7871.125 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to potentially perform a sandbox escape via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
Use after free in Ozone in Google Chrome prior to 150.0.7871.125 allowed a remote attacker who convinced a user to engage in specific UI gestures to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Critical)
Use after free in Ozone in Google Chrome on Linux prior to 150.0.7871.125 allowed a remote attacker who convinced a user to engage in specific UI gestures to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Critical)
Local privilege escalation in the Microsoft Windows Client-Side Caching (CSC) Service, driven by a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption flaw affecting Windows 10 (1607 through 22H2), Windows 11 (24H2/25H2/26H1), and Windows Server 2012 through 2025. An authorized attacker who already holds low-level privileges (PR:L) on the host can trigger the freed-object reuse to gain elevated, likely SYSTEM-level, privileges. The issue was reported by Microsoft with a patch available; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and no CISA KEV listing.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows 11 (version 26H1) Desktop Window Manager (DWM) allows an authenticated low-privileged user to gain SYSTEM-level control by exploiting a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption flaw. Reported by Microsoft and carrying a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8, the flaw grants full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact once triggered locally. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis, and it is not listed in CISA KEV, but DWM EoP bugs are a historically favored post-compromise primitive.
Local privilege escalation in the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) component of Windows 11 version 26H1 allows an authenticated local attacker to elevate to SYSTEM by triggering a use-after-free memory corruption condition. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:L/PR:L) confirms an already-authenticated low-privileged user is required, and full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability follows successful exploitation. Microsoft has released a patch; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and the flaw is not listed in CISA KEV.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Win32K kernel-mode subsystem allows an authenticated attacker to elevate to SYSTEM by exploiting a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption condition. The flaw affects a broad range of supported Windows client and server releases (Windows 10 1607 through Windows 11 26H1, and Windows Server 2016 through 2025). Reported by Microsoft with a patch available; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows DirectX graphics subsystem allows an authenticated attacker with low privileges to elevate to SYSTEM by triggering a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption condition. The flaw affects a broad range of Windows client and server releases from Windows 10 1607 through Windows 11 26H1 and Windows Server 2012 through Server 2025. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis, and it is not listed in CISA KEV; the CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.0 (High), tempered by high attack complexity.
Remote code execution in Windows Remote Desktop Services (RDS) allows an authenticated network attacker to run arbitrary code by triggering a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory corruption condition. The flaw affects a broad range of currently-supported Windows client and server builds - Windows 10 21H2/22H2, Windows 11 24H2/25H2/26H1, and Windows Server 2022/2025 (including Server Core). It was reported by Microsoft with a CVSS 8.8 rating; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV, but the network vector combined with only low-privilege requirements makes it a strong patch priority.
Local privilege escalation in Microsoft Windows Sensor Data Service arises from a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory corruption flaw that an already-authenticated attacker can trigger to run code at higher privilege. It affects a broad range of client and server builds (Windows 10 1607 through Windows 11 26H1, and Windows Server 2016 through 2025). Reported by Microsoft with a patch available; no public exploit identified at time of analysis, and the CVSS:3.1 score is 7.0 (High).
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver (cldflt.sys) lets an authenticated low-privileged user corrupt kernel memory to gain SYSTEM-level control. The flaw is a use-after-free (CWE-416) affecting a broad range of Windows client and server builds from Windows 10 1809 through Windows 11 26H1 and Windows Server 2019-2025. Microsoft has released a patch; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV.
Elevation of privilege in Microsoft Windows Management Services lets a low-privileged local user corrupt memory through a use-after-free (CWE-416) and gain higher privileges on Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2, 26H1) and Windows Server 2025. A successful exploit yields high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact, but the CVSS vector marks high attack complexity, reflecting the race-condition timing typically needed to win a use-after-free. Microsoft has released a patch; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver (cldflt.sys) allows an authenticated low-privileged user to elevate to SYSTEM by triggering a use-after-free memory corruption condition. The flaw affects a broad range of Windows client and server releases (Windows 10 1809 through Windows 11 26H1, and Windows Server 2019 through 2025) and was reported by Microsoft. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and the CVE is not listed in CISA KEV.
Local privilege escalation in Microsoft's NAT Helper Components (ipnathlp.dll), the driver behind Internet Connection Sharing and NAT translation on Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2, 26H1) and Windows Server 2025. An authenticated attacker who already has low-privilege access can exploit a use-after-free memory corruption bug to run code at higher privilege (SYSTEM). No public exploit identified at time of analysis, and it is not listed in CISA KEV, but Microsoft has released a patch.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock (AFD.sys) allows an authenticated low-privileged user to elevate to SYSTEM by triggering a use-after-free (CWE-416) in the kernel-mode driver. All actively serviced Windows client (10 1607 through 11 26H1) and Server (2012 through 2025) editions are affected, and Microsoft has released patches. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis, and the flaw is not listed in CISA KEV.
Elevation of privilege in the Windows Hyper-V virtual network switch (VMSwitch) lets an authenticated attacker operating from a guest partition corrupt kernel memory via a use-after-free and gain higher privileges, with a scope change (S:C) indicating a guest-to-host escape. Rated CVSS 9.9 and affecting a broad range of Windows client and server releases from Windows 10 1607 through Windows 11 26H1 and Windows Server 2012 through 2025, this issue was reported by Microsoft and has a vendor patch available. No public exploit is identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV.
Remote code execution in the Windows SMB Server network transport driver (srvnet.sys) lets an unauthenticated network attacker win a use-after-free race to run arbitrary code, affecting Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2012 through 2025. Per its CVSS vector the flaw requires user interaction and high attack complexity, so exploitation is non-trivial rather than a trivial wormable hit. This was reported by Microsoft, a vendor patch is available, and there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis.
Local privilege escalation in the Microsoft Windows Kernel allows an authenticated attacker to elevate to SYSTEM by exploiting a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory corruption condition, spanning Windows 10 (1607 through 22H2), Windows 11 (24H2/25H2/26H1), and Windows Server 2016 through 2025. Reported by Microsoft with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N), the flaw grants full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact on the local system. No public exploit identified at time of analysis, and it is not listed in CISA KEV; a vendor patch is available.
Local privilege escalation in the Microsoft Windows Kernel (CWE-416 use-after-free) lets an already-authenticated low-privilege user corrupt kernel memory and gain SYSTEM-level control across a broad range of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2016 through 2025 builds. Microsoft self-reported the flaw and has shipped a patch through the Update Guide; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV. With CVSS 7.8 (AV:L/PR:L) it is a classic Patch-Tuesday local EoP suitable as a second-stage primitive after initial access.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows MIDI Service Module affects Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1, where a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory corruption lets an already-authorized local user run code with elevated privileges. Microsoft rates it CVSS 7.0 and has released a patch; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV. Exploitation is non-trivial due to high attack complexity and requires the attacker to already hold low-level local privileges.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows MIDI Service Module affects Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1, where a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption flaw lets an already-authenticated local user elevate to higher privileges. Exploitation requires winning a race condition (high attack complexity), and Microsoft has released a fix; no public exploit identified at time of analysis. Rated CVSS 7.0 with full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact once triggered.
Local privilege elevation in the Windows WebView component affects a broad range of currently-supported Windows client and server builds (Windows 10 1809 through Windows 11 26H1, and Windows Server 2019/2022/2025). By triggering a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption condition, an already-authenticated low-privilege attacker can execute code in a higher-privilege context, yielding full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact on the local system. Microsoft has released a patch; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and the issue is not listed in CISA KEV.
Local privilege escalation in Microsoft XML Core Services (MSXML) lets a low-privileged, authorized attacker on a Windows host reclaim a freed object (use-after-free, CWE-416) to run code at elevated privilege. It affects a broad Windows footprint spanning Windows 10 1607 and Server 2012 through Windows 11 26H1 and Server 2025, including Server Core installations. Microsoft reported the flaw, a patch is available, and there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis; CISA SSVC currently rates exploitation as none.
Arbitrary code execution in Microsoft Office Excel arises from a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption flaw affecting Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, Office 2019, Office LTSC 2021/2024, Office for Mac, and Office Online Server. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:L/UI:R) makes this a user-interaction-dependent, locally-scoped issue: a victim must open a maliciously crafted Excel workbook, after which the attacker gains code execution in the user's security context. No public exploit is identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV, but a vendor patch is available.
Local code execution in Microsoft Office Word (CWE-416 use-after-free) allows an unauthorized attacker to run arbitrary code in the context of the current user when a victim opens a maliciously crafted document. The flaw affects a broad Office footprint including Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, Office 2019, Office LTSC 2021/2024 (Windows and Mac), and related SharePoint Server products that process Word documents. Microsoft has released a patch; no public exploit has been identified at time of analysis, and neither KEV nor EPSS/POC signals were provided in the input.
Local code execution in Microsoft Office Word (across Microsoft 365 Apps, Office 2019/LTSC 2021/2024, Office for Mac, and Word 2016) allows an attacker to run arbitrary code by exploiting a use-after-free memory corruption flaw when a victim opens a maliciously crafted document. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8 with a local attack vector requiring user interaction; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and the flaw is not listed in CISA KEV. Microsoft, which reported the issue itself, has released a patch.
Local code execution in Microsoft Office (2016, 2019, LTSC 2021/2024, Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, and Office for Mac) stems from a use-after-free memory corruption (CWE-416) that an attacker triggers when a victim opens a maliciously crafted document. Rated CVSS 7.8 with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact, exploitation requires user interaction but no prior authentication, letting an attacker run arbitrary code in the context of the current user. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV, but Microsoft has released a fix, so patching should be prioritized during the normal Patch Tuesday cycle.
Local code execution in Microsoft Office (2016, 2019, LTSC 2021/2024, Microsoft 365 Apps, and Office for Mac 2021/2024) arises from a use-after-free memory corruption flaw that an attacker triggers by convincing a user to open a maliciously crafted Office document. Successful exploitation runs arbitrary code in the context of the current user, yielding full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact on the host. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and the flaw is not listed in CISA KEV; Microsoft has published a patch via MSRC.
Local code execution in Microsoft Office (2016, 2019, LTSC 2021/2024, Microsoft 365 Apps, and the macOS editions) arises from a use-after-free memory-corruption flaw (CWE-416) that lets an attacker run arbitrary code in the context of the current user after the victim opens a maliciously crafted document. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8 (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R) with high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and requires user interaction. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV, but a vendor patch is available via MSRC.
Local code execution in Microsoft Office Excel (across Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, Office 2019, Office LTSC 2021/2024, and their macOS equivalents) arises from a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption flaw triggered when a user opens a maliciously crafted spreadsheet. The CVSS vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R) indicates an unauthenticated attacker can achieve full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact but requires the victim to open a file, making it a classic phishing-delivered client-side bug. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV, though Excel memory-corruption bugs are historically attractive targets.
Local code execution in Microsoft Office (including Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, Office 2016/2019, and Office LTSC 2021/2024) stems from a use-after-free memory-corruption flaw (CWE-416). An attacker who convinces a user to open a specially crafted Office document can execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user, gaining full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. Exploitation requires user interaction (opening a malicious file) and there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis.
Local code execution in the Windows DHCP Client service stems from a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption flaw affecting a broad range of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server releases (Server 2012 through Server 2025). Per the CVSS vector an unauthenticated attacker with local access can achieve high-impact code execution with no user interaction. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV; Microsoft has released a patch through the MSRC update guide.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Clipboard Server (Cliprdr/RDP clipboard virtual channel service) affects a broad range of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server builds (from 1809 through 11 26H1 and Server 2025). An authenticated local attacker who can trigger a use-after-free (CWE-416) in the service can corrupt memory to run code at elevated (SYSTEM-level) privilege. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis, and the issue is not listed in CISA KEV; Microsoft has released a patch.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Kernel lets an already-authenticated, low-privileged attacker on Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2, 26H1) and Windows Server 2025 corrupt kernel memory via a use-after-free and gain SYSTEM-level control. The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8 is elevated by a scope change (S:C), reflecting that kernel compromise crosses the boundary from user context to the OS itself. Microsoft has released a patch; no public exploit identified at time of analysis and the flaw is not listed in CISA KEV.
Local privilege escalation in the Microsoft Windows Kernel allows an authenticated attacker to gain SYSTEM-level control by exploiting a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory corruption condition. The flaw affects a broad range of Windows client and server builds - from Windows 10 1607 through Windows 11 26H1 and Windows Server 2012 through Server 2025 - and was reported by Microsoft with a patch available. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis, and it is not listed in CISA KEV; the CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8 (AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
Local privilege escalation in Microsoft Windows Media (a component shipping in Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1) lets an authenticated local attacker execute code at elevated privilege by triggering a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption condition. Reported by Microsoft with a vendor patch available, it carries CVSS 7.8 (High) and can yield full confidentiality, integrity, and availability compromise of the host. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV.
Local privilege escalation in Microsoft's Windows USB Print Driver stems from a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory corruption flaw affecting Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2, 26H1) and Windows Server 2025. A low-privileged authenticated attacker who can execute code on the host and win a memory-timing race can corrupt kernel memory to gain higher (SYSTEM-level) privileges. Microsoft has released a patch; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV, so exploitation is not currently observed in the wild.
Local privilege escalation in Microsoft Windows NTFS (New Technology File System) driver lets an already-authenticated low-privileged user corrupt kernel memory via a use-after-free (CWE-416) and elevate to SYSTEM. The flaw affects a broad Windows client and server matrix (Windows 10 1809 through Windows 11 26H1, Windows Server 2019/2022/2025). It has no public exploit identified at time of analysis and is not on CISA KEV, but as a Microsoft-reported, patched NTFS kernel bug it is a routine patch-priority item on standard Patch Tuesday cycles.
Privilege escalation in the Windows Remote Access Connection Manager (RasMan) service lets an authenticated, low-privileged attacker corrupt memory over the network to gain higher privileges on affected Windows 10, 11, and Server systems. The flaw is a CWE-416 use-after-free carrying a CVSS 8.8 with high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Microsoft has released a patch; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV.
Remote code execution in the Microsoft Windows Message Queuing (MSMQ) service arises from a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption flaw that an authenticated attacker can trigger across a network to run arbitrary code in the service context. It affects a broad range of supported Windows client and server releases from Windows 10 1607 and Windows Server 2012 through Windows 11 26H1 and Windows Server 2025 wherever the MSMQ component is enabled. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV, but Microsoft rates it CVSS 7.5 and has released a fix.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Installer (msiexec) service across Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2012 through 2025 allows an already-authenticated local user to gain higher privileges by triggering a use-after-free memory-corruption condition. No public exploit has been identified at time of analysis, and it is not listed in CISA KEV, but Microsoft has published a patch. The high CVSS complexity (AC:H) indicates exploitation requires winning a race or meeting specific timing/heap conditions rather than being trivially reliable.
Privilege escalation in the Windows Netlogon service allows an already-authenticated, low-privileged network attacker to elevate to higher privileges by exploiting a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption condition. The flaw affects a broad range of Windows client and server releases from Windows 10 1607 and Windows Server 2012 through Windows 11 26H1 and Windows Server 2025, including Server Core installations. Reported by Microsoft with a vendor patch available; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV.
Network-based privilege elevation in Microsoft Windows DNS (Windows 11 24H2/25H2/26H1 and Windows Server 2025) stems from a use-after-free memory corruption condition that an unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit to gain elevated privileges with full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. The flaw requires no prior authentication or user interaction (PR:N/UI:N) but carries high attack complexity (AC:H), meaning reliable exploitation depends on winning a race or satisfying a specific memory-state timing window. Microsoft self-reported the issue and has shipped a patch; no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not currently listed in CISA KEV.
Elevation of privilege in the Windows Runtime (WinRT) component affects Windows 10 (21H2/22H2), Windows 11 (24H2/25H2/26H1), and Windows Server 2025, where a use-after-free memory-corruption flaw lets an already-authenticated local user run code at higher privilege. Microsoft has released a patch and reported the issue; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and the CVE is not listed in CISA KEV. Given the CVSS 7.8 (Important) rating and full C/I/A impact, this is a standard local privilege-escalation risk suited for regular patch prioritization rather than emergency response.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Graphics Kernel component allows an authenticated attacker to elevate to SYSTEM by triggering a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption condition. All currently supported Windows client and server builds are affected - from Windows 10 1809 through Windows 11 26H1 and Windows Server 2019 through 2025. No public exploit identified at time of analysis; Microsoft has released a patch, and the CVSS 7.8 (Important) rating reflects high impact but a local-access, low-privilege prerequisite.
Local privilege escalation in the Microsoft Windows Kernel lets an authenticated attacker who already has low-privileged code execution on a host elevate to SYSTEM by exploiting a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory corruption. It affects a broad range of supported Windows client and server builds - Windows 10 (1809/21H2/22H2), Windows 11 (24H2/25H2/26H1), and Windows Server 2019/2022/2025 - and Microsoft has released a patch. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV, so exploitation appears unproven publicly despite the reliably-exploitable nature of kernel UAF flaws.
Local privilege escalation in the Microsoft Windows Kernel arises from a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption flaw that lets an attacker running code on the machine gain higher privileges, potentially SYSTEM. It affects a broad range of current Windows client and server builds (Windows 10 21H2/22H2, Windows 11 24H2/25H2/26H1, Windows Server 2022/2025). No public exploit identified at time of analysis, but the local attack surface and full CIA impact make it a standard Patch-Tuesday-class kernel EoP worth prompt patching.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Backup Engine affects Windows 10 (21H2, 22H2) and Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2, 26H1), where a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption flaw lets an already-authorized local user with low privileges elevate to higher rights. No public exploit identified at time of analysis, and it is not listed in CISA KEV; Microsoft rates it 7.0 (High), reflecting meaningful impact tempered by high attack complexity. Successful exploitation grants full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact on the affected host.
Local privilege escalation in Microsoft Windows (Windows 10 1607 through Windows 11 26H1 and Windows Server 2012 through 2025) arises from a use-after-free memory-corruption flaw (CWE-416) that lets an already-authenticated local user run code at elevated privilege. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8 with a scope-changed vector, and Microsoft has shipped a fix via MSRC. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and the issue is not listed in CISA KEV, so exploitation is currently theoretical rather than observed.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Brokering File System affects Windows 11 24H2/25H2/26H1 and Windows Server 2025, where a use-after-free (CWE-416) lets an already-authenticated local user corrupt memory to elevate to higher privileges (typically SYSTEM). Microsoft has released a patch and rates it 7.8 (High). There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV.
Remote code execution in Microsoft's Remote Desktop Client (the RDP client, mstsc.exe, shipped across Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2012 through 2025) allows an unauthorized attacker to run arbitrary code over the network by triggering a use-after-free memory-corruption condition. Exploitation requires the victim to connect to an attacker-controlled or compromised RDP endpoint (UI:R), after which the malicious server can corrupt client-side memory to achieve full code execution. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and the CVE is not listed in CISA KEV; a vendor patch is available from Microsoft.
Use after free in Windows Virtual Filtering Platform (VFP) allows an authorized attacker to deny service over a network.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Runtime (WinRT) component of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server allows an authenticated attacker to run arbitrary code with elevated (SYSTEM-level) privileges by triggering a use-after-free memory-corruption condition (CWE-416). Microsoft has released a patch, but there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and the flaw is not listed in CISA KEV. The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8 (High) with a fully local vector reflects meaningful post-compromise impact but requires the attacker to already have a foothold on the host.
Remote code execution in the Microsoft Message Queuing (MSMQ) Queue Manager affects a broad range of Windows client and server releases, from Windows 10 1607 and Windows Server 2012 through Windows 11 26H1 and Windows Server 2025. An unauthenticated network attacker who can reach the MSMQ service (TCP 1801) can trigger a use-after-free (CWE-416) in the Queue Manager to execute arbitrary code in the service context. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and the flaw is not listed in CISA KEV, but the high CVSS (8.1), network attack vector, and lack of any authentication requirement make patched deployment urgent; exploitation is tempered by the High attack complexity (AC:H).
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Brokering File System component affects Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2, 26H1) and Windows Server 2025, where a use-after-free memory corruption (CWE-416) lets an already-authenticated local user elevate to higher privileges. Microsoft rates it CVSS 7.8 with full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact, and has released a patch. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV.
Use after free in Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges with a physical attack.
Local privilege escalation in the Microsoft Windows Content Delivery Manager component lets an authenticated low-privileged user elevate to SYSTEM by triggering a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption condition. The flaw affects a broad range of client and server builds (Windows 10 1809 through Windows 11 26H1, plus Server 2019 and Server 2025), and Microsoft has released a patch. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV.
Privilege escalation in Windows Runtime (WinRT) via a use-after-free memory corruption flaw enables a locally authenticated low-privilege attacker to elevate to SYSTEM-level access on Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2, 26H1) and Windows Server 2025. The CVSS scope change (S:C) confirms the exploit crosses a security boundary, yielding full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact beyond the originating process. No public exploit identified at time of analysis; Microsoft has released a patch via MSRC.
Privilege escalation in Windows Remote Desktop Services (RDS) lets an authenticated, low-privileged attacker elevate to higher privileges across a network by triggering a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption condition in the RDS component. The flaw spans a broad range of supported Windows client and server releases (Windows 10/11 and Windows Server 2012 through 2025). Microsoft has released a patch; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and the issue is not listed in CISA KEV.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Kernel affects Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2, 26H1) and Windows Server 2025 (including Server Core), where an authorized attacker can exploit a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption condition to elevate privileges to SYSTEM. The flaw was reported by Microsoft, which has released a patch, and carries a CVSS 7.8 rating driven entirely by high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact once local access is obtained. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV.
Local privilege escalation in the Microsoft Windows Kernel lets an already-authenticated attacker win a use-after-free race (CWE-416) to gain SYSTEM-level control, affecting a broad range of client and server builds from Windows 10 1607 and Windows Server 2012 through Windows 11 26H1 and Windows Server 2025. Microsoft has released a patch and there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis. The moderate 7.0 score reflects high attack complexity (a timing-dependent race) offset by full confidentiality, integrity and availability impact once triggered.
Local privilege escalation in Microsoft Windows Media (the Windows Media component/codec subsystem) allows an already-authenticated local attacker to elevate to SYSTEM by triggering a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory corruption condition. The flaw affects a broad range of currently-supported Windows client and server releases, from Windows 10 1607 and Windows Server 2012 through Windows 11 26H1 and Windows Server 2025. Microsoft has released a patch; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and the issue is not listed in CISA KEV.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Runtime (WinRT) affects a broad range of supported Windows client and server releases, from Windows 10 1809 and Windows Server 2019 through Windows 11 26H1 and Windows Server 2025. An authorized local attacker who can execute low-privilege code can trigger a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption condition to elevate privileges, yielding full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact on the host. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV; Microsoft has released a patch.
Local privilege escalation in Microsoft Windows Runtime (WinRT) affects a broad range of Windows client and server builds, from Windows 10 1809 through Windows 11 26H1 and Windows Server 2019 through 2025. An authorized local attacker who can run low-privileged code can trigger a use-after-free memory-corruption condition to elevate to higher privileges, with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact implying a path to SYSTEM. No public exploit identified at time of analysis, and the flaw is not on CISA KEV; a vendor patch is available.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows DirectX graphics kernel subsystem allows an authenticated attacker to elevate to SYSTEM by triggering a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption condition across Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2, 26H1) and Windows Server 2025. The CVSS 3.1 vector (7.8, AV:L/PR:L) confirms local access and low existing privileges are required with no user interaction, yielding full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. Reported by Microsoft with a vendor patch available; no public exploit identified at time of analysis and the CVE is not listed in CISA KEV.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Media component affects a broad range of Microsoft Windows client and server editions (Windows 10 1607 through Windows 11 26H1, and Windows Server 2016 through 2025). A low-privileged authenticated attacker can abuse a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory corruption flaw to elevate to higher privileges, achieving full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and the flaw is not on CISA KEV, but the high attack complexity (a likely race condition) is the main barrier to reliable exploitation.
Elevation of privilege in the Windows Runtime (WinRT) component of Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2, 26H1) and Windows Server 2025 allows an authenticated attacker to gain higher privileges by exploiting a use-after-free memory-corruption flaw over the network. Microsoft, who reported the issue, has released a patch; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV. The high CVSS (8.5) is driven by a scope change and full confidentiality/integrity/availability impact, though high attack complexity tempers real-world exploitability.
Use after free in Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Internal System User Profile component allows an already-authenticated attacker to gain elevated (SYSTEM-level) privileges by triggering a use-after-free memory corruption condition (CWE-416). The flaw affects Windows 10 (21H2/22H2), Windows 11 (24H2/25H2/26H1), and Windows Server 2025 including Server Core. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV, but the CVSS 7.8 rating and full high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability make it a meaningful patch-cycle priority.
Local privilege escalation in Windows Kernel-Mode Drivers on Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2, 26H1) and Windows Server 2025 lets an authenticated local attacker corrupt kernel memory via a use-after-free and gain SYSTEM-level control. Rated CVSS 7.0 (Important) and reported by Microsoft itself; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV. The high attack complexity (AC:H) reflects the race-condition nature typical of kernel UAF bugs, which tempers real-world exploitability despite full C/I/A impact.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Application Model (the subsystem underlying UWP/packaged app lifecycle and activation) lets an authorized attacker with an existing low-privileged foothold gain SYSTEM-level control by triggering a use-after-free memory-corruption condition. All supported Windows client and server builds from Windows 10 1607 through Windows 11 26H1 and Windows Server 2016 through Server 2025 are affected. This is a Microsoft-reported flaw with a vendor patch available; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not on CISA KEV.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Unified Consent System (UCS) lets an already-authenticated attacker exploit a use-after-free memory-corruption flaw (CWE-416) to gain higher privileges, potentially up to SYSTEM. It affects a broad range of current Windows client and server builds including Windows 10 21H2/22H2, Windows 11 24H2/25H2/26H1, and Windows Server 2025. Reported by Microsoft with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV.
Local privilege escalation in Microsoft Windows TCP/IP stack allows an authenticated attacker to elevate to SYSTEM by exploiting a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory corruption flaw. Affected builds span Windows 10 (1809, 21H2, 22H2), Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2, 26H1), and Windows Server 2019/2022/2025 including Server Core. No public exploit identified at time of analysis; Microsoft has released a patch, and the CVSS 7.0 score reflects high attack complexity (likely a race condition) that raises the exploitation bar.
Local privilege escalation in Microsoft Windows Kernel-Mode Drivers lets an already-authenticated, low-privileged user corrupt kernel memory to gain SYSTEM-level control. Affected builds include Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2, 26H1) and Windows Server 2025, including Server Core. Microsoft has shipped a patch; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis, and it is not on the CISA KEV list.
Local privilege elevation in the Microsoft Windows TCP/IP networking stack lets an already-authenticated, low-privileged user corrupt kernel memory via a use-after-free (CWE-416) and gain SYSTEM-level control. The flaw affects a broad range of client and server SKUs from Windows 10 1607 through Windows 11 26H1 and Windows Server 2012 through Server 2025, including Server Core installations. Microsoft reported the issue and has released a patch; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and the CVE is not listed in CISA KEV.
Local privilege escalation in Windows Secure Kernel Mode (VBS/Isolated User Mode trust boundary) affects Windows 11 24H2/25H2/26H1 and Windows Server 2025, where a use-after-free (CWE-416) lets an already-authenticated local attacker gain elevated privileges. Microsoft rates it 7.0 (High) with a local, high-complexity vector requiring low privileges and no user interaction. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV, so exploitation would require winning a memory-corruption race after already having a foothold.
Local privilege escalation in the Microsoft Windows Kernel allows an already-authenticated attacker to gain SYSTEM-level control by exploiting a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory corruption condition. The flaw affects a broad range of supported Windows client and server releases (Windows 10 1809 through Windows 11 26H1, and Windows Server 2019 through 2025) and, per the CVSS 7.8 vector, yields full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. No public exploit identified at time of analysis, and the issue is not listed in CISA KEV; Microsoft has released a patch.
Local privilege escalation in the Microsoft Brokering File System affects Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2, 26H1) and Windows Server 2025, where a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory-corruption flaw lets an already-authenticated local user execute code with elevated (typically SYSTEM) privileges. Microsoft has released a patch and reported the issue itself; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8 (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H), reflecting a locally-exploitable but high-impact elevation path.
Local privilege escalation in the Microsoft Windows Graphics Kernel component allows a low-privileged local user to elevate to SYSTEM by exploiting a use-after-free (CWE-416) memory corruption condition. The flaw affects a broad range of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server releases, was reported by Microsoft, and has a vendor-released patch available. No public exploit is identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV; the high attack complexity (AC:H) makes reliable exploitation non-trivial.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Kernel lets an already-authenticated, low-privileged user corrupt kernel memory via a use-after-free (CWE-416) and gain higher privileges on the host. The flaw affects a broad range of currently-supported Windows client and server releases (Windows 10 1607 through Windows 11 26H1, and Windows Server 2016 through 2025); Microsoft has shipped a fix. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and the issue is not listed in CISA KEV.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows taskbar (Internal Task Bar component) allows an authenticated attacker to elevate to higher privileges by exploiting a use-after-free memory corruption flaw. The issue affects a broad range of current Windows client and server builds (Windows 10 21H2/22H2, Windows 11 24H2/25H2/26H1, and Windows Server 2025), was reported by Microsoft itself, and is fixed via a vendor patch. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV.
Local privilege escalation in Windows Runtime (WinRT) on Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2, 26H1) and Windows Server 2025 allows an authenticated local user to gain higher privileges by exploiting a use-after-free memory-corruption flaw (CWE-416). Successful exploitation yields high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact, effectively enabling escalation to SYSTEM-level control on the host. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis, and the flaw is not listed in CISA KEV; the elevated attack complexity (AC:H) indicates exploitation requires winning a race or meeting specific timing/heap conditions.
Local privilege escalation in the Microsoft Windows Kernel allows an unauthorized attacker to gain elevated (SYSTEM-level) privileges by triggering a use-after-free condition (CWE-416) in kernel memory. The flaw affects a broad range of supported Windows client and server releases, from Windows 10 1607 and Windows Server 2012 through Windows 11 26H1 and Windows Server 2025. Microsoft has released a patch; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and the issue is not listed in CISA KEV.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Kernel lets an already-authenticated attacker corrupt kernel memory via a use-after-free (CWE-416) and gain full control of the host. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:L/PR:L, scope-changed with C:H/I:H/A:H) reflects a low-privileged local user escalating to SYSTEM-level compromise across a broad range of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server builds. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV, but Microsoft has released a patch.
Local privilege escalation in the Windows Kernel Mode Driver affects Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2, 26H1) and Windows Server 2025, where a use-after-free (CWE-416) lets an already-authenticated local attacker corrupt kernel memory and elevate to SYSTEM. Reported by Microsoft with a patch already available; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and it is not listed in CISA KEV. The CVSS 7.8 (AV:L/PR:L) reflects a high-impact but locally-scoped flaw requiring an existing foothold on the host.