CVE-2026-57095
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
Exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor in Windows Win32K allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Windows Win32K subsystem that exposes sensitive system information to unauthorized actors. The Win32K kernel-mode driver serves as a crucial component responsible for handling user-mode graphics operations and window management functions, making it a prime target for attackers seeking elevated system privileges. When exploited, this vulnerability allows local attackers to access sensitive information that should remain protected within kernel space, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries that separate user and kernel modes.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from improper access controls and information disclosure mechanisms within the Win32K subsystem. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract privileged information such as memory addresses, kernel structures, or sensitive data that should only be accessible to trusted system components. This exposure creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks where local adversaries can manipulate system state to gain administrative privileges without requiring legitimate authentication credentials. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, meaning any successful exploitation directly impacts the integrity of the entire operating system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to perform sophisticated exploitation techniques that could lead to complete system compromise. Local attackers who initially gain access through other means can utilize this vulnerability to elevate their privileges and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the system. The attack surface for this vulnerability includes any user account with local login access to the Windows system, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or scenarios where users might have legitimate administrative rights. This flaw particularly affects enterprise environments where multiple users share systems and could be exploited by malware or insider threats.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates that address the specific Win32K information disclosure issues. System administrators should implement the principle of least privilege, ensuring that user accounts have minimal necessary permissions and that administrative privileges are granted only when required. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious system behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, implementing kernel-mode protection mechanisms such as Windows Defender Application Control, and maintaining comprehensive audit logs to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and represents a significant risk under the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting T1068 (Local Port Forwarding) and T1548.1 (Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism) tactics that attackers commonly employ to gain elevated system access through kernel-level vulnerabilities.