CVE-2026-102196 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 10/13/2026
Use after free in Windows Broadcast DVR User Service allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2026
The vulnerability identified involves a use-after-free error within the Windows Broadcast DVR User Service, a component responsible for managing digital video recording and broadcast-related functionalities on affected Microsoft Windows operating systems. This specific flaw arises from improper memory management practices where the service fails to properly nullify pointers after freeing allocated memory blocks or allows access to deallocated memory regions under certain conditions. Such errors typically occur when an object is accessed after its lifetime has ended, leading to unpredictable behavior that can be exploited by malicious actors with local access to the system.
An authorized attacker who gains initial foothold on a vulnerable machine can leverage this use-after-free condition to execute arbitrary code in the context of the currently logged-in user or potentially higher privileged accounts depending on how the service is configured and invoked. By carefully crafting specific inputs that trigger the premature deallocation followed by subsequent access, an attacker may manipulate memory structures such as function pointers or virtual table entries within the process space. This manipulation enables the injection and execution of malicious payloads, effectively bypassing standard security controls designed to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant because it facilitates local privilege escalation from a lower-privileged user account to that of SYSTEM or other high-level administrative accounts. Once an attacker achieves elevated privileges, they gain unrestricted access to all files and resources on the system, including sensitive data stored locally. This level of control allows for complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems within the affected environment. Attackers can install additional malware, create new administrator accounts, or pivot further into internal networks if connected, thereby expanding their attack surface significantly beyond the initial entry point.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes use-after-free conditions where software continues to use memory after it has been freed. In terms of offensive security frameworks, exploitation techniques associated with this flaw map closely to ATT&CK technique T1055, specifically Process Injection or Dynamic Link Library Search Order Hijacking variants that rely on manipulating process memory structures. These mappings highlight the importance of monitoring for unusual memory access patterns and unauthorized privilege changes as indicators of compromise related to such vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve applying vendor-provided security updates that address the underlying code defects responsible for the improper memory handling. Organizations should prioritize patching systems running the affected versions of Windows Broadcast DVR User Service, particularly those exposed to untrusted local users or network services. Additionally, implementing strict application control policies and least-privilege principles can limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs by restricting what actions low-privileged processes are permitted to perform. Regular auditing of system logs for signs of privilege escalation attempts and memory corruption anomalies also serves as a valuable defensive measure against such exploits.