Sources: National Vulnerability Database, CVE.org, CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS
CVE-2026-118735 Overview
Weak authentication in Active Directory Domain Services allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
Critical Impact
Affected Products
- Microsoft Active Directory Domain Services: see the vendor advisory for the exact affected versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-11-10: CVE-2026-118735 published to the National Vulnerability Database by secure@microsoft.com
- 2026-11-10: last updated in the NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-118735
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-118735 is a Security Vulnerability weakness (CWE-1390) in Microsoft Active Directory Domain Services. Based on its CVSS vector, the flaw can be reached over the network, needs some level of access, and needs no user interaction.
With a CVSS base score of 7.5, apply the vendor fix and confirm exposure on internet facing and business critical assets first.
Root Cause
The vendor description states: Weak authentication in Active Directory Domain Services allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
Attack Vector
Based on the CVSS vector, the flaw can be reached over the network, needs some level of access, and needs no user interaction. Attack complexity is high complexity.
No exploitation in the wild is confirmed by CISA at the time of the last update. Check the references below for any vendor or researcher proof of concept.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-118735
Detection Strategies
- Inventory every instance of Microsoft Active Directory Domain Services and compare the running version with the affected range above.
- Check external attack surface scans for internet facing instances of the component.
- Run an authenticated vulnerability scan once your scanner ships a check for this CVE.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward Microsoft Active Directory Domain Services application, access and audit logs to your SIEM for retrospective hunting.
- Alert on new processes, configuration changes or outbound connections from the affected service.
- Track the vendor advisory and the CISA KEV catalog for changes in exploitation status.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-118735
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fixed version of Microsoft Active Directory Domain Services named in the vendor advisory.
- Prioritize internet facing and business critical instances first.
- Rescan after the change to confirm the exposure is closed.
Patch Information
Use the fixed version listed in the vendor advisory for Microsoft Active Directory Domain Services.
Workarounds
- If patching must wait, restrict network access to the affected service and place it behind authentication or a web application firewall rule.
CWE References
Technical References
This entry is built directly from NVD, CISA KEV and EPSS data. Verify fixed versions in the vendor advisory before you deploy.
Frequently asked questions
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