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CVE-2026-69501

Windows Secure Kernel Mode Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Published: Sep 8, 2026Updated: Sep 14, 2026 Sources: CVE List NVDCWE-822
7.0HIGH
NVD MITRE
EPSS Score
0.2%
Top 84.5%
CISA KEV
Not in KEV
Exploits
No Known Exploits
Remediation
Patch Available
Self-Check
OpenVAS

Description

Untrusted pointer dereference in Windows Secure Kernel Mode allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

In plain language

AI Act now

This Windows security flaw can let a logged-in user with the right access gain higher privileges, so you should patch it—especially on servers and machines where untrusted users can log in.

Executive summary

CVE-2026-69501 is a local privilege escalation in Windows Secure Kernel Mode caused by an untrusted pointer dereference (CWE-822), enabling a sufficiently privileged/authorized attacker to elevate privileges.

If affected, business impact
Local admin privilege gainFull system compromise riskBusiness interruption via takeoverData theft from elevated access

What to do now

  1. Check whether the affected devices are running Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2022, or Windows Server 2025.
  2. On each affected device, verify the OS build version is at or above the fixed version for your specific Windows release (use the fixed list in step 3).
  3. Install the Microsoft update for CVE-2026-69501 from the Microsoft Update Guide until the device reaches the fixed build: Windows 10 fixed in 10.0.19044.7725 and 10.0.19045.7725; Windows 11 fixed in 10.0.22631.7582, 10.0.26100.9445, 10.0.26200.9445, or 10.0.28000.2954; Windows Server 2022 fixed in 10.0.20348.5622; Windows Server 2025 fixed in 10.0.26100.33438.
  4. After updating, re-check build versions to confirm the update actually applied successfully.
Patch / advisory Usually a quick update

CVSS Vector Breakdown

AV:LAC:HPR:LUI:NS:UC:HI:HA:H
Exploitability
AV:LAttack Vector
Local
AC:HAttack Complexity
High
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-822

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-2026-69501?We can run the check for you — a free external exposure review, no install. Check my exposure

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-69501
msrc.microsoft.com
News mentions
3

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