CVE-2026-88173: CWE-416: Use After Free in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607
Description
CVE-2026-88173 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) affecting multiple versions of Microsoft Windows 10, including version 1607. This flaw allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code remotely over a network. The vulnerability has a high severity rating with a CVSS score of 8.1. Microsoft has released official patches to address this issue.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.1high
Affected software
Microsoft
Windows 10 Version 1607
Microsoft
Windows 10 Version 1809
Microsoft
Windows Server 2012
Microsoft
Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation)
Microsoft
Windows Server 2012 R2
Microsoft
Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation)
Microsoft
Windows Server 2016
Microsoft
Windows Server 2016 (Server Core installation)
Microsoft
Windows Server 2019
Microsoft
Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)
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 involves a use-after-free condition in the Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) that could be exploited by an unauthorized attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely. The affected Windows 10 versions include multiple builds starting from 6.2.9200.0 up to but not including specific patched builds such as 10.0.14393.9612 and others. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates network attack vector, high attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Microsoft has published an official fix for this vulnerability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows remote code execution without requiring user interaction or privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.
Mitigation Recommendations
An official patch from Microsoft is available and should be applied immediately to all affected Windows 10 versions. Refer to the Microsoft Security Response Center advisory at https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-88173 for detailed update instructions.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2026-09-09T21:58:19.188Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- official-fix
- Vendor Advisory Urls
- [{"url":"https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-88173","vendor":"Microsoft"}]
Threat ID: 6ace85652cdf04f656a002ee
Added to database: 10/13/2026, 19:24:21 UTC
Last enriched: 10/14/2026, 01:19:14 UTC
Last updated: 10/14/2026, 01:19:14 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.