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CVE-2026-118740: Microsoft Aspire Missing Authorization Vulnerability

CVE-2026-118740 explained: critical Missing Authorization in Microsoft Aspire. CVSS 9.1. Affected versions, detection, fixes and CTEM priority.

Last updated: Nov 10, 2026

CVSS
9.1 CRITICAL
EPSS
n/a
CISA KEV
Not listed
CWE
CWE-862

Sources: National Vulnerability Database, CVE.org, CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS

CVE-2026-118740 Overview

Missing authorization in Aspire allows an unauthorized attacker to bypass a security feature over a network.

Critical Impact

Remote, unauthenticated attackers can exploit this Missing Authorization in Microsoft Aspire. The CVSS base score is 9.1 (Critical).

Affected Products

  • Microsoft Aspire: see the vendor advisory for the exact affected versions

Discovery Timeline

  • 2026-11-10: CVE-2026-118740 published to the National Vulnerability Database by secure@microsoft.com
  • 2026-11-10: last updated in the NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-118740

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2026-118740 is a Missing Authorization weakness (CWE-862: Missing Authorization) in Microsoft Aspire. Based on its CVSS vector, the flaw can be reached over the network, needs no login, and needs no user interaction. The software does not check permissions before an action.

With a CVSS base score of 9.1, apply the vendor fix and confirm exposure on internet facing and business critical assets first.

Root Cause

The weakness is classified as CWE-862: Missing Authorization. The software does not check permissions before an action.

Attack Vector

Based on the CVSS vector, the flaw can be reached over the network, needs no login, and needs no user interaction. Attack complexity is low 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:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-118740

Detection Strategies

  • Inventory every instance of Microsoft Aspire 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 Aspire 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-2026-118740

Immediate Actions Required

  • Apply the fixed version of Microsoft Aspire 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 Aspire.

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

CVE-2026-118740 is a critical severity Missing Authorization in Microsoft Aspire with a CVSS score of 9.1. Apply the vendor fix and confirm exposure on internet facing and business critical assets first.

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