Sources: National Vulnerability Database, CVE.org, CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS
CVE-2026-96160 Overview
Out-of-bounds read in Windows Graphics Kernel allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Critical Impact
Affected Products
- Microsoft Windows Graphics Kernel: see the vendor advisory for the exact affected versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-11-10: CVE-2026-96160 published to the National Vulnerability Database by secure@microsoft.com
- 2026-11-10: last updated in the NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-96160
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-96160 is a Out of Bounds Read weakness (CWE-125: Out of Bounds Read) in Microsoft Windows Graphics Kernel. Based on its CVSS vector, the flaw needs local or adjacent access, needs some level of access, and needs no user interaction. The program reads memory past the end of a buffer, leaking data or crashing.
With a CVSS base score of 7.8, apply the vendor fix and confirm exposure on internet facing and business critical assets first.
Root Cause
The weakness is classified as CWE-125: Out of Bounds Read. The program reads memory past the end of a buffer, leaking data or crashing.
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 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:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-96160
Detection Strategies
- Inventory every instance of Microsoft Windows Graphics Kernel 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 Graphics Kernel 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-2026-96160
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fixed version of Microsoft Windows Graphics Kernel 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 Graphics Kernel.
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-125: Out of Bounds Read 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
Related CVEs
Access of resource using incompatible type ('type confusion') in Windows Shell allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Out-of-bounds read in Windows VMSwitch allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Null pointer dereference in Windows USM Communication Manager allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Use after free in Winsock allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Release of invalid pointer or reference in Windows Performance Monitor allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
Use after free in Windows Credential User Interface allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Earn your free CTEM certification.
Learn to scope, prioritize, validate and mobilize fixes for CVEs like CVE-2026-96160 with a free CTEM certification.
Beginner / Practitioner / Program Leader
Explore certifications