CVE-2026-69605: CWE-416: Use After Free in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 21H2
Description
CVE-2026-69605 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Microsoft Install Service on Windows 10 Version 21H2. It allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges. The vulnerability has a high severity rating with a CVSS score of 7. An official fix is available from Microsoft.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.0high
Affected software
Microsoft
Windows 10 Version 21H2
Microsoft
Windows 10 Version 22H2
Microsoft
Windows 11 version 23H2
Microsoft
Windows 11 Version 23H2
Microsoft
Windows 11 Version 24H2
Microsoft
Windows 11 Version 25H2
Microsoft
Windows 11 version 26H1
Microsoft
Windows Server 2022
Microsoft
Windows Server 2025
Microsoft
Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation)
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2026-69605 and classified under CWE-416 (Use After Free), affects Microsoft Windows 10 Version 21H2. It arises from improper handling of memory in the Microsoft Install Service, enabling an authorized local attacker to execute a use-after-free condition. Successful exploitation can lead to elevation of privileges on the affected system. The vulnerability is rated high severity with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.0, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Microsoft has released an official fix to address this issue.
Potential Impact
An authorized local attacker can exploit this use-after-free vulnerability to elevate privileges on the affected Windows 10 systems. This could allow the attacker to gain higher-level access than intended, potentially compromising system security and control.
Mitigation Recommendations
An official fix is available from Microsoft. Users and administrators should apply the security updates provided by Microsoft for Windows 10 Version 21H2 as detailed in the Microsoft Security Response Center advisory at https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-69605. Applying these updates will remediate the vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2026-08-03T21:21:00.594Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- official-fix
- Vendor Advisory Urls
- [{"url":"https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-69605","vendor":"Microsoft"}]
Threat ID: 6aa04515acd9273b49fa96a6
Added to database: 09/08/2026, 17:25:41 UTC
Last enriched: 10/16/2026, 21:24:18 UTC
Last updated: 10/23/2026, 15:10:14 UTC
Views: 29
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