CVE-2026-72980: CWE-427: Uncontrolled Search Path Element in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607
CVE-2026-72980 is a medium severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607 (build 10.0.14393.0) involving an uncontrolled search path element in Windows Hello. This flaw allows an authorized local attacker to bypass a security feature. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 4.4, indicating limited attack vector and complexity but with high confidentiality impact. An official fix is available from Microsoft.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-72980) is classified as CWE-427: Uncontrolled Search Path Element. It affects Windows Hello on Windows 10 Version 1607 (build 10.0.14393.0). The flaw allows an authorized attacker with local access and high privileges to bypass a security feature by exploiting the way Windows Hello handles search paths. The attack does not require user interaction and does not impact integrity or availability but can lead to disclosure of sensitive information. Microsoft has published an official fix for this issue.
Potential Impact
An authorized local attacker with high privileges can bypass a security feature in Windows Hello, potentially leading to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability. No known exploits are reported in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
An official fix is available from Microsoft. Users and administrators should apply the security update provided in the Microsoft advisory at https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-72980 to remediate this vulnerability.
CVE-2026-72980: CWE-427: Uncontrolled Search Path Element in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607
Description
CVE-2026-72980 is a medium severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607 (build 10.0.14393.0) involving an uncontrolled search path element in Windows Hello. This flaw allows an authorized local attacker to bypass a security feature. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 4.4, indicating limited attack vector and complexity but with high confidentiality impact. An official fix is available from Microsoft.
CVSS v3.1
Score 4.4medium
Affected software
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-72980) is classified as CWE-427: Uncontrolled Search Path Element. It affects Windows Hello on Windows 10 Version 1607 (build 10.0.14393.0). The flaw allows an authorized attacker with local access and high privileges to bypass a security feature by exploiting the way Windows Hello handles search paths. The attack does not require user interaction and does not impact integrity or availability but can lead to disclosure of sensitive information. Microsoft has published an official fix for this issue.
Potential Impact
An authorized local attacker with high privileges can bypass a security feature in Windows Hello, potentially leading to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability. No known exploits are reported in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
An official fix is available from Microsoft. Users and administrators should apply the security update provided in the Microsoft advisory at https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-72980 to remediate this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2026-08-10T18:38:17.057Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- official-fix
- Vendor Advisory Urls
- [{"url":"https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-72980","vendor":"Microsoft"}]
Threat ID: 6aa0454bacd9273b49fa9d73
Added to database: 09/08/2026, 17:26:35 UTC
Last enriched: 09/08/2026, 23:37:56 UTC
Last updated: 09/08/2026, 23:37:56 UTC
Views: 2
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
External Links
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.