CVE-2026-41096 Windows DNS Client Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Critical 9.8 Published 12 May 2026 Updated 10 Aug 2026

An unauthorized attacker can execute arbitrary code remotely via a heap-based buffer overflow in the Windows DNS Client.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2026-41096?

CVE-2026-41096 is a critical memory corruption vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 11 23h2, published on 12 May 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.

Official description

Heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Windows DNS allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.

Weakness: CWE-122

Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-41096?

It affects 6 products.

Products include Microsoft Windows 11 23h2, Microsoft Windows 11 24h2, Microsoft Windows 11 25h2, Microsoft Windows 11 26h1, Microsoft Windows Server 2022 23h2, Microsoft Windows Server 2025.

How do I fix CVE-2026-41096?

No fix has been published for CVE-2026-41096 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.

Is CVE-2026-41096 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-41096 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Public exploit code: 7 proofs of concept on GitHub.

All Microsoft Windows 11 23h2 vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-9pgv-xqpg-75rv.