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HIGH · 7.0

CVE-2026-20842

Use after free in Windows DWM allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Vulnerability Description

Use after free in Windows DWM allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

CVSS Score

7.0

HIGH

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Attack Vector
LOCAL
Attack Complexity
HIGH
Privileges Required
LOW
User Interaction
NONE
Scope
UNCHANGED
Confidentiality
HIGH
Integrity
HIGH
Availability
HIGH

Affected Products

VendorProductVersions
MicrosoftWindows 10 21H2< 10.0.19044.6809
MicrosoftWindows 10 22H2< 10.0.19045.6809
MicrosoftWindows 11 23H2< 10.0.22631.6491
MicrosoftWindows 11 24H2< 10.0.26100.7623
MicrosoftWindows 11 25H2< 10.0.26200.7623
MicrosoftWindows Server 2022< 10.0.20348.4648
MicrosoftWindows Server 2022 23H2< 10.0.25398.2092
MicrosoftWindows Server 2025< 10.0.26100.32230

Related Weaknesses (CWE)

CWE-416

References

FAQ

What is CVE-2026-20842?

CVE-2026-20842 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 7.0 (HIGH). Use after free in Windows DWM allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

How severe is CVE-2026-20842?

CVE-2026-20842 has been rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 7.0/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.

Is there a patch for CVE-2026-20842?

Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Microsoft Windows 10 21H2, Microsoft Windows 10 22H2, Microsoft Windows 11 23H2, Microsoft Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft Windows 11 25H2.