Microsoft Windows up to Server 2025 Shell command injection

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability described as very critical has been identified in Microsoft Windows. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the component Shell. Executing a manipulation can lead to command injection. This vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2026-96951. The attack can be launched remotely. Moreover, an exploit is present. It is best practice to apply a patch to resolve this issue.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as very critical was found in Microsoft Windows. This vulnerability affects an unknown code block of the component Shell. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a command injection vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-77. The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:

Improper neutralization of special elements used in a command ('command injection') in Windows Shell allows an unauthorized attacker to bypass a security feature over a network.

The advisory is available at msrc.microsoft.com. This vulnerability was named CVE-2026-96951 since 09/23/2026. The exploitation appears to be easy. The attack can be initiated remotely. No form of authentication is required for a successful exploitation. Successful exploitation requires user interaction by the victim. Technical details are unknown but an exploit is available. The structure of the vulnerability defines a possible price range of USD $25k-$100k at the moment (estimation calculated on 10/14/2026). This vulnerability is assigned to T1202 by the MITRE ATT&CK project.

It is declared as attacked. This issue was added on 10/13/2026 to the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog with a due date of 10/16/2026:

Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BO

Applying a patch is able to eliminate this problem.

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Productinfo

Type

• Operating System

Vendor

• Microsoft

Name

• Windows

Version

• 10 21H2
• 10 22H2
• 10 1607
• 10 1809
• 11 23H2
• 11 24H2
• 11 25H2
• 11 26H1
• 11 26H2
• Server 2012 R2
• Server 2016
• Server 2019
• Server 2022
• Server 2025

License

• commercial

Website

• Vendor: https://www.microsoft.com/
• Product: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows

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