CVE-2026-21245CWE-122

Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

High · published February 10, 2026

CVSS v3.1
7.8
EPSS
0%
Percentile
37.7
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚡ A heap-based buffer overflow in Windows Kernel can let an authorized attacker upgrade their privileges without breaking a sweat! Think of it like a behind-the-scenes access pass at an event. Once inside, if you can slip past security and access the VIP lounge, you can do whatever you want while everyone else is stuck outside. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain complete control over a system, making them capable of executing arbitrary code, stealing sensitive data, or even installing malicious software. That's like turning the ordinary room into a hacker's playground!

Put simply

Think of it like a behind-the-scenes access pass at an event. Once inside, if you can slip past security and access the VIP lounge, you can do whatever you want while everyone else is stuck outside. CVE-2026-21245 is a heap-based buffer overflow issue in the Windows Kernel that allows an attacker with limited access to escalate privileges locally, bypassing security measures designed to keep lower-tier users in check.

What to do

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain complete control over a system, making them capable of executing arbitrary code, stealing sensitive data, or even installing malicious software. That's like turning the ordinary room into a hacker's playground! To safeguard your systems, it's crucial to apply the latest patches provided by Microsoft for the affected versions of Windows Kernel. Regularly audit user privileges and ensure only authorized users have access to sensitive systems. You've got this! With the right steps, your systems will be locked down tighter than a drum! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
7.8 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.00445 · 37.7th percentile
Weakness
CWE-122 · Heap-based Buffer Overflow
Published
2026-02-10T17:51Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 10 FEB 17:51Z
    Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
    cvelistv5