CVE-2026-57093 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
Use after free in Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2026
The vulnerability in question represents a use-after-free condition within the Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock component, which serves as a critical system interface for socket operations and network communication management. This flaw exists in the kernel-level driver responsible for handling ancillary data during socket operations, specifically affecting how the system manages memory allocation and deallocation for network function calls. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416, which describes the use of freed memory condition that occurs when a program continues to reference memory after it has been freed, potentially leading to undefined behavior and exploitation opportunities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory references within the WinSock ancillary function driver where memory blocks are allocated for processing network data but not properly validated before subsequent access. When an attacker successfully triggers this condition, they can manipulate the system's memory management functions to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The flaw requires an authenticated user account since the vulnerability exists within a component that typically operates under user context during normal socket operations, though the privilege escalation occurs at the kernel level.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation as it provides attackers with direct access to system-level resources and capabilities that are normally restricted. The exploitation process allows unauthorized modification of critical system components including registry entries, file system permissions, and potentially enables persistence mechanisms within the operating system. This vulnerability affects all versions of Windows that include the affected driver component, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple systems may be running vulnerable versions.
Security implications of this use-after-free scenario align with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through exploitation of system vulnerabilities. The attack vector requires an authenticated user to execute malicious code that leverages the memory corruption to gain SYSTEM-level privileges, demonstrating how seemingly legitimate system functions can be weaponized for unauthorized access. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in their threat modeling as it represents a pathway for attackers to establish persistent access and perform lateral movement within networks where Windows systems are deployed.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate application of Microsoft security updates that address the specific memory management issues within the WinSock driver, along with network segmentation and privilege separation to limit potential exploitation impact. System administrators should implement monitoring for unusual socket operations or memory allocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring comprehensive patch management processes are maintained across all Windows environments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.