Microsoft Windows 11 23H2/Server 2022/Server 2022 23H2 Win32k use after free
| CVSS Meta Temp Score | Current Exploit Price (≈) | CTI Interest Score |
|---|---|---|
| 7.1 | $5k-$25k | 0.00 |
Summary
A vulnerability categorized as critical has been discovered in Microsoft Windows 11 23H2/Server 2022/Server 2022 23H2. This affects an unknown function of the component Win32k. Executing a manipulation can lead to use after free. This vulnerability is registered as CVE-2026-20920. The attack needs to be launched locally. No exploit is available. A patch should be applied to remediate this issue.
Details
A vulnerability was found in Microsoft Windows 11 23H2/Server 2022/Server 2022 23H2. It has been declared as critical. This vulnerability affects an unknown functionality of the component Win32k. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a use after free vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-416. Referencing memory after it has been freed can cause a program to crash, use unexpected values, or execute code. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:
Use after free in Windows Win32K - ICOMP allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
The weakness was published 01/13/2026 as confirmed security update guide (Website). The advisory is available at msrc.microsoft.com. This vulnerability was named CVE-2026-20920. The exploitation appears to be easy. Local access is required to approach this attack. The technical details are unknown and an exploit is not available. The structure of the vulnerability defines a possible price range of USD $5k-$25k at the moment (estimation calculated on 01/17/2026).
Applying a patch is able to eliminate this problem. A possible mitigation has been published immediately after the disclosure of the vulnerability.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Product
Type
Vendor
Name
Version
License
Website
- Vendor: https://www.microsoft.com/
- Product: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows
CPE 2.3
CPE 2.2
CVSSv4
VulDB Vector: 🔒VulDB Reliability: 🔍
CVSSv3
VulDB Meta Base Score: 7.8VulDB Meta Temp Score: 7.1
VulDB Base Score: 7.8
VulDB Temp Score: 6.8
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
Vendor Base Score (Microsoft): 7.8
Vendor Vector (Microsoft): 🔒
CNA Base Score: 7.8
CNA Vector (Microsoft): 🔒
CVSSv2
| AV | AC | Au | C | I | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 |
| 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 |
| 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 |
| Vector | Complexity | Authentication | Confidentiality | Integrity | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
| Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
| Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
VulDB Base Score: 🔒
VulDB Temp Score: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
Exploiting
Class: Use after freeCWE: CWE-416 / CWE-119
CAPEC: 🔒
ATT&CK: 🔒
Physical: Partially
Local: Yes
Remote: No
Availability: 🔒
Status: Unproven
EPSS Score: 🔒
EPSS Percentile: 🔒
Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒
| 0-Day | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
Threat Intelligence
Interest: 🔍Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍
Countermeasures
Recommended: PatchStatus: 🔍
Reaction Time: 🔒
0-Day Time: 🔒
Exposure Time: 🔒
Timeline
01/13/2026 VulDB entry created01/13/2026 Advisory disclosed
01/13/2026 Countermeasure disclosed
01/17/2026 VulDB entry last update
Sources
Vendor: microsoft.comProduct: microsoft.com
Advisory: msrc.microsoft.com
Status: Confirmed
CVE: CVE-2026-20920 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-20920
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-340810
Entry
Created: 01/13/2026 19:41Updated: 01/17/2026 06:59
Changes: 01/13/2026 19:41 (36), 01/13/2026 19:44 (33), 01/17/2026 06:59 (11)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
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