CVE-2026-88073: CWE-416: Use After Free in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 21H2
Description
CVE-2026-88073 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability in the Windows Graphics Kernel affecting Windows 10 Version 21H2 and related builds. It allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges. The vulnerability has been officially fixed by Microsoft.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.8high
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 11 Version 26H2
Microsoft
Windows Server 2025
Microsoft
Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation)
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-88073) involves a use-after-free condition in the Windows Graphics Kernel component of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 21H2 and other specified builds. An authorized attacker with local access can exploit this flaw to elevate their privileges on the affected system. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, indicating high severity, with impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Microsoft has released an official fix for this vulnerability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges, potentially gaining higher system rights. This can lead to full system compromise, including complete control over the affected Windows 10 system. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.
Mitigation Recommendations
An official fix is available from Microsoft. Users and administrators should apply the security updates provided by Microsoft to affected Windows 10 versions as soon as possible. Refer to the Microsoft Security Response Center advisory at https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-88073 for update details and guidance.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2026-09-09T21:47:30.202Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- official-fix
- Vendor Advisory Urls
- [{"url":"https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-88073","vendor":"Microsoft"}]
Threat ID: 6ace85552cdf04f6569ff334
Added to database: 10/13/2026, 19:24:05 UTC
Last enriched: 10/14/2026, 02:18:22 UTC
Last updated: 10/14/2026, 02:18:22 UTC
Views: 3
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