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CVE-2026-62888

Windows DWM Core Library Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Published: Aug 11, 2026Updated: Aug 13, 2026 Sources: CVE List NVDCWE-416
7.8HIGH
NVD MITRE
EPSS Score
1.8%
Top 22.8%
CISA KEV
Not in KEV
Exploits
No Known Exploits
Remediation
Patch Available
Self-Check
OpenVAS

Description

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

In plain language

AI Act now

CVE-2026-62888 is a Windows flaw that can let a local attacker gain higher privileges on affected versions; small businesses should act by updating Windows to the listed fixed releases.

Executive summary

CVE-2026-62888 is a Windows DWM Core Library elevation-of-privilege issue caused by a use-after-free condition (CWE-416) that can be triggered by an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges on Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2022/2025.

If affected, business impact
Full admin-level takeoverMalware running with higher rightsService disruptionData access after escalation

What to do now

  1. Check which Windows versions you run (Windows 10/11, Windows Server 2022/2025) and record their exact build numbers.
  2. Compare your build to the fixed versions below; if you match any affected build, plan an update immediately.
  3. Apply the vendor security update for CVE-2026-62888 (via Windows Update / Microsoft update catalog / your patch management process).
  4. Recheck the system build number after patching to confirm it is now at or above the fixed release for your Windows edition.
Patch / advisory Usually a quick update

CVSS Vector Breakdown

AV:LAC:LPR:LUI:NS:UC:HI:HA:H
Exploitability
AV:LAttack Vector
Local
AC:LAttack Complexity
Low
PR:LPrivileges Required
Low
UI:NUser Interaction
None
Scope
S:UScope
Unchanged
Impact
C:HConfidentiality
High
I:HIntegrity
High
A:HAvailability
High
Open in CVSS calculator →

Weaknesses

CWE-416

Affected Products

Microsoft
commercial·US
Windows 10 Version 21H2On-premOS
Operating Systems / windows
Windows 11 version 23H2On-premOS
Operating Systems / windows
Windows Server 2022On-premOS
Operating Systems / windows
Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation)On-premOS
Operating Systems / windows
and 14 more affected products View all →

Exploitability

Official Patch Available
Is your org exposed to CVE-2026-62888?We can run the check for you — a free external exposure review, no install. Check my exposure

Attack Graph

Products CVE Techniques Tactics

Click technique nodes for MITRE ATT&CK details · drag to pan · Ctrl/⌘ + scroll to zoom, or go fullscreen.

MITRE ATT&CK

2 techniques
Initial Access
Privilege Escalation
View detailed technique mapping

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-62888
msrc.microsoft.com
News mentions
4

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