CVE-2026-21250 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Microsoft Windows HTTP.sys, identified as a privilege escalation flaw. This vulnerability allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary code with elevated permissions.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.8, classifying it as high severity. This rating indicates a significant risk to organizations, as the vulnerability can be exploited under conditions of low attack complexity and without user interaction.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive information and potential system compromise. Given the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Currently, there is no known public exploit available for this vulnerability, although it is essential to remain vigilant as the situation may evolve.
Organizations should assess their exposure and apply necessary patches as soon as they become available to mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2026-21250.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is characterized as an untrusted pointer dereference in Windows HTTP.sys. This flaw allows authorized attackers to elevate their privileges locally. The CVSS 3.1 vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating that it has a high potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
The affected products include Windows 11 versions 24h2 and 25h2, as well as Windows Server 2022 and 2025. The vulnerability was published on February 10, 2026.
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-822, which pertains to untrusted pointer dereference issues.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2026-21250 lies in improper handling of pointers within the Windows HTTP.sys component. Attackers with local access can exploit this flaw due to its low attack complexity, requiring only low privileges to initiate.
The vulnerability does not require user interaction, making it easier for attackers to leverage. The attack vector is local, meaning that exploitation must occur on an affected system. The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all rated as high, indicating a serious risk to system stability and data protection.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations deploying affected versions of Windows are at significant risk. The potential for an attacker to gain elevated privileges can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and critical system controls. This vulnerability's low complexity and local attack vector make it particularly concerning.
Given the CVSS score of 7.8, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The urgency is underscored by the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions include:
1. Windows 11 24h2 (versions prior to 10.0.26100.7781)
2. Windows 11 25h2 (versions prior to 10.0.26200.7781)
3. Windows Server 2022 23h2 (versions prior to 10.0.25398.2149)
4. Windows Server 2025 (versions prior to 10.0.26100.32313)
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should monitor for updates from Microsoft and apply patches as soon as they are available. If a patch is unavailable, consider implementing configuration hardening measures to reduce exposure.
For ongoing security, organizations can engage in penetration testing to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of CVE-2026-21250, organizations should monitor system logs for unusual access patterns and failed login attempts. Behavioral anomalies may indicate attempted privilege escalation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2026-21250 highlights the ongoing risks associated with untrusted pointer dereference vulnerabilities. As organizations increasingly rely on local services, the potential for such vulnerabilities to be exploited rises. Security teams should prioritize training on this type of vulnerability and regularly assess their environments for similar security weaknesses.
To enhance defensive measures, organizations can implement a penetration testing methodology that reflects the latest threat intelligence.
Furthermore, incorporating a vulnerability management program can help in systematically addressing vulnerabilities as they arise.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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