CVE-2026-96973
HIGHCVSS 7/10
Last modified
CVE-2026-96973 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7/10 on the CVSS scale. Use after free in Windows Encrypting File System (EFS) allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally..
Description
Use after free in Windows Encrypting File System (EFS) allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Metrics
Weakness Enumeration
Affected Software
Source: CNA advisory (CVE.org). NVD analysis pending.
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | Windows 10 Version 1809 | >= 10.0.17763.0, < 10.0.17763.9487 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 Version 21H2 | >= 10.0.19044.0, < 10.0.19044.7846 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 Version 22H2 | >= 10.0.19045.0, < 10.0.19045.7846 |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 version 23H2 | >= 10.0.22631.0, < 10.0.22631.7711 |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 Version 23H2 | >= 10.0.22631.0, < 10.0.22631.7711 |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 Version 24H2 | >= 10.0.26100.0, < 10.0.26100.9974 |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 Version 25H2 | >= 10.0.26200.0, < 10.0.26200.9974 |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 version 26H1 | >= 10.0.28000.0, < 10.0.28000.3501 |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 Version 26H2 | >= 10.0.26300.0, < 10.0.26300.9974 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2019 | >= 10.0.17763.0, < 10.0.17763.9487 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation) | >= 10.0.17763.0, < 10.0.17763.9487 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2022 | >= 10.0.20348.0, < 10.0.20348.5870 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2025 | >= 10.0.26100.0, < 10.0.26100.33822 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation) | >= 10.0.26100.0, < 10.0.26100.33822 |
References
Timeline
- Published
- Last Modified
- Status
- Awaiting Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2026-96973?
Use after free in Windows Encrypting File System (EFS) allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
How severe is CVE-2026-96973?
CVE-2026-96973 has a CVSS score of 7/10 (HIGH severity).
How do I fix CVE-2026-96973?
Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.
How Strix Helps
- How Strix found a critical auth bypass in etcdStrix autonomously discovered a critical authentication bypass in etcd, later designated CVE-2026-33413.
- Autonomous PentestingAI agents that find and validate exploitable vulnerabilities like this one across your applications.
- PR ReviewsPentest every pull request so vulnerable code is caught before it ships to production.
- AI Penetration TestingHow AI-driven penetration testing continuously covers your attack surface.
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Are you affected by CVE-2026-96973?
Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.
Scan your code nowSource: NVD / NIST