CVE-2026-88181: CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809
Description
CVE-2026-88181 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in the Windows DWM Core Library affecting Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 and related builds. This flaw allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges. The vulnerability has a high severity rating with a CVSS score of 7.8. Microsoft has released an official fix to address this issue.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.8high
Affected software
Microsoft
Windows 10 Version 1809
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 26H2
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 an out-of-bounds read in the Windows Desktop Window Manager (DWM) Core Library. An authorized attacker with local access can exploit this flaw to elevate their privileges on affected Windows 10 versions. The vulnerability is tracked as CWE-125 and has been assigned CVE-2026-88181. Multiple Windows 10 builds are affected, specifically those versions starting from 10.0.17763.0 up to but not including various fixed builds such as 10.0.17763.9376 and others. Microsoft has published an official security update to remediate this vulnerability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability allows an authorized local attacker to elevate their privileges, potentially gaining higher-level access on the affected system. This could lead to unauthorized actions that require elevated permissions, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Microsoft has released an official fix for CVE-2026-88181. It is recommended to apply the security updates provided by Microsoft as detailed in their advisory at https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-88181. No additional mitigation steps are required beyond applying the official patch.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2026-09-09T21:59:30.884Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- official-fix
- Vendor Advisory Urls
- [{"url":"https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-88181","vendor":"Microsoft"}]
Threat ID: 6ace85672cdf04f656a002fa
Added to database: 10/13/2026, 19:24:23 UTC
Last enriched: 10/14/2026, 01:18:37 UTC
Last updated: 10/14/2026, 01:18:37 UTC
Views: 2
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