CVE-2026-69718 Windows Update Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

High 7.8 Published Updated

An authorized local attacker can exploit a command injection flaw in Windows Update to elevate privileges on affected Windows systems.

Exploited in the wild
Not known
Login needed
Any signed-in user
Attackable
Local or same network only
Victim action needed
Not needed
Fix
None listed

What is CVE-2026-69718?

CVE-2026-69718 is a high-severity command injection vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 11 23h2, published on 13 Oct 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

Improper neutralization of special elements used in a command ('command injection') in Windows Update allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Weakness: CWE-77

Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-69718?

It affects 6 products.

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

How do I fix CVE-2026-69718?

No fix has been published for CVE-2026-69718 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and pass arguments to programs as a list instead of through a shell. More about Command injection.

Is CVE-2026-69718 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-69718 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Microsoft Windows 11 23h2 vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-jr7m-x6c4-fw6x.

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