CVE-2026-83498: CWE-822: Untrusted Pointer Dereference in Microsoft Windows 11 version 23H2

CVE-2026-83498 is a vulnerability classified as CWE-822 (Untrusted Pointer Dereference) found in the Windows Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Enclave component of Microsoft Windows 11 version 23H2. It allows a local attacker with authorized access to elevate their privileges by exploiting improper handling of pointers within the VBS enclave. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8, indicating high severity, with impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Multiple affected Windows 11 builds are identified, and Microsoft has issued an official fix to address this issue.

An authorized local attacker can exploit this vulnerability to elevate privileges on the affected Windows 11 systems. This could lead to full system compromise, including unauthorized access to sensitive data and disruption of system availability. The CVSS score of 7.8 reflects high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

An official fix is available from Microsoft for this vulnerability. Users and administrators should apply the security updates provided by Microsoft for Windows 11 version 23H2 as detailed in the Microsoft Security Response Center advisory (https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-83498). No additional mitigation steps are indicated beyond applying the official patch.