CVE-2026-96918: CWE-863: Incorrect Authorization in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607
Description
CVE-2026-96918 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607 and related builds that involves improper access control in the NTFS file system. This flaw allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges, potentially gaining higher system rights. The vulnerability affects multiple Windows 10 versions prior to specific patched builds. An official fix is available from Microsoft.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.8high
Affected software
Microsoft
Windows 10 Version 1607
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 26H1
Microsoft
Windows 11 Version 26H2
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, tracked as CVE-2026-96918 and categorized under CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization), exists in the Windows NTFS implementation. It allows a local attacker with existing authorization to elevate privileges due to improper access control checks. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Multiple Windows 10 versions are affected, specifically those versions prior to the listed patch versions. Microsoft has released an official fix to address this issue.
Potential Impact
An authorized local attacker can exploit this vulnerability to elevate privileges on affected Windows 10 systems, potentially gaining full control over the system. This can lead to complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Microsoft has released an official fix for this vulnerability. Users and administrators should apply the latest security updates for Windows 10 Version 1607 and related affected builds as indicated in the vendor advisory. No additional mitigation actions are required beyond applying the official patch.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2026-09-23T20:30:01.466Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- official-fix
- Vendor Advisory Urls
- [{"url":"https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96918","vendor":"Microsoft"}]
Threat ID: 6ace85812cdf04f656a004c5
Added to database: 10/13/2026, 19:24:49 UTC
Last enriched: 10/13/2026, 23:49:47 UTC
Last updated: 10/13/2026, 23:49:47 UTC
Views: 2
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