CVE-2026-69396: CWE-416: Use After Free in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607

This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2026-69396 and classified under CWE-416 (Use After Free), exists in the Windows NDIS component. It affects various builds of Windows 10, including Version 1607 and later updates, allowing an authorized attacker to elevate privileges remotely over a network. The vulnerability is due to improper handling of memory that has been freed, which can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.1, reflecting network attack vector, high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and requiring low privileges with user interaction. Microsoft has issued an official patch to remediate this vulnerability.

Successful exploitation of this use-after-free vulnerability allows an authorized attacker to elevate their privileges on the affected Windows 10 systems remotely over a network. This can lead to full compromise of the affected system, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and system resources.

An official fix from Microsoft is available and should be applied promptly to affected systems. Administrators should follow the guidance in the Microsoft Security Response Center advisory at https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-69396 to ensure systems are updated to versions that include the patch. No additional mitigation steps are indicated by the vendor advisory.