Sources: National Vulnerability Database, CVE.org, CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS
CVE-2026-95976 Overview
Concurrent execution using shared resource with improper synchronization ('race condition') in Windows Diagnostic Policy Service allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Critical Impact
Affected Products
- Microsoft Windows Diagnostic Policy Service: see the vendor advisory for the exact affected versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-11-10: CVE-2026-95976 published to the National Vulnerability Database by secure@microsoft.com
- 2026-11-10: last updated in the NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-95976
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-95976 is a Race Condition weakness (CWE-362: Race Condition, CWE-416: Use After Free) in Microsoft Windows Diagnostic Policy Service. Based on its CVSS vector, the flaw needs local or adjacent access, needs some level of access, and needs no user interaction. Two operations collide in timing, breaking a security assumption.
With a CVSS base score of 7, apply the vendor fix and confirm exposure on internet facing and business critical assets first.
Root Cause
The weakness is classified as CWE-362: Race Condition, CWE-416: Use After Free. Two operations collide in timing, breaking a security assumption.
Attack Vector
Based on the CVSS vector, the flaw needs local or adjacent access, 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:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-95976
Detection Strategies
- Inventory every instance of Microsoft Windows Diagnostic Policy Service 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 Windows Diagnostic Policy Service 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-2026-95976
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fixed version of Microsoft Windows Diagnostic Policy Service 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 Windows Diagnostic Policy Service.
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
- CWE-362: Race Condition More CVEs with this weakness
- CWE-416: Use After Free More CVEs with this weakness
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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