CVE-2026-96851 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 10/15/2026
Buffer over-read in Windows Management Instrumentation allows an authorized attacker to disclose information locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2026
Windows Management Instrumentation contains a buffer over-read vulnerability that permits an authenticated local user to read memory contents beyond the intended boundaries of allocated buffers. This flaw arises from insufficient validation checks during data processing operations within the WMI service infrastructure, allowing for out-of-bounds reads when specific inputs are processed. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-126, which denotes buffer over-read conditions where software reads past the end of a memory buffer. Such errors typically occur due to incorrect boundary calculations or missing length checks before accessing array elements or string data structures within the application logic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability centers on information disclosure rather than direct code execution or privilege escalation in its initial state. An attacker who has already obtained valid credentials and logged into the target system can exploit this flaw to leak sensitive kernel-mode or user-mode memory contents. This leaked information may include cryptographic keys, session tokens, internal application states, or other confidential data residing in adjacent memory locations. While the immediate effect is limited to reading arbitrary memory addresses accessible by the compromised process context, such disclosures significantly reduce the effort required for subsequent attacks like heap spraying analysis or bypassing security mitigations that rely on randomization techniques.
From a threat modeling perspective aligned with the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability facilitates the T1005 technique of Data from Local System which involves collecting data directly from local systems without network communication. The exploitation requires prior authentication, placing it within the scope of insider threats or compromised user accounts rather than remote unauthenticated attacks. Attackers would likely leverage scripting languages supported by WMI such as VBScript or PowerShell to construct payloads that trigger the over-read condition through specific method invocations or property queries against managed objects.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve applying vendor-supplied security patches that correct the boundary validation logic within the affected components of Windows Management Instrumentation. Organizations should ensure timely deployment of cumulative updates for supported versions of Microsoft Windows. Additionally, implementing strict least-privilege policies reduces the risk surface by limiting which users can interact with WMI services and execute administrative scripts. Network segmentation and monitoring for anomalous WMI activity patterns can also aid in detecting potential exploitation attempts before significant data exfiltration occurs. Regular auditing of user permissions assigned to local administrators groups further diminishes the likelihood of an attacker gaining the necessary access level to trigger this vulnerability effectively.