Incorrect authorization in Microsoft Windows and Windows Server - CVE-2026-88162
Published: October 14, 2026
Vulnerability identifier: #VU155357
CSH Severity: Low
CVSS v4: 6.8 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:N/VI:H/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N]
CVE-ID: CVE-2026-88162
CWE-ID: CWE-863
Exploitation vector: Local access
Exploit availability:
No public exploit available
Vulnerability details
The vulnerability allows a local user to modify protected system data beyond their normal privileges.
The vulnerability exists due to incorrect authorization in Windows Encrypting File System (EFS) when accessing protected system data locally. A local user can make unauthorized modifications to protected system data to alter system state or configuration beyond their normal privileges.
Affected software
Microsoft Windows
Windows Server
Windows Server
How to mitigate CVE-2026-88162
Install security update from vendor's website.
Microsoft Windows - addressed in versions 10 21H2 10.0.19044.7807, 10 1607 10.0.14393.9612, 10 1809 10.0.17763.9376, 11 23H2 10.0.22631.7652, 11 24H2 10.0.26100.9711, 11 25H2 10.0.26200.9711, 11 26H1 10.0.28000.3231
Windows Server - addressed in versions 2016 10.0.14393.9612, 2019 10.0.17763.9376, 2022 10.0.20348.5761, 2025 10.0.26100.33650
Windows Server - addressed in versions 2016 10.0.14393.9612, 2019 10.0.17763.9376, 2022 10.0.20348.5761, 2025 10.0.26100.33650