How severe is CVE-2026-35420?

CVE-2026-35420 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2026-35420 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (24th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2026-35420?

CVE-2026-35420 primarily affects Microsoft Windows Server 2012. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2026-35420?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

Does CVE-2026-35420 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?

Yes. CVE-2026-35420 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-29627.

When was CVE-2026-35420 published?

CVE-2026-35420 was published on 2026-05-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2026-35420

CVE-2026-35420 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Server 2012 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-122.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (24th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2026-29627
Weakness: CWE-122
Affected product: Microsoft Windows Server 2012
Published: 2026-05-12
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Heap-based buffer overflow in Windows Kernel allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-35420?: Heap-based buffer overflow in Windows Kernel allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
How severe is CVE-2026-35420?: CVE-2026-35420 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2026-35420 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (24th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-35420?: CVE-2026-35420 primarily affects Microsoft Windows Server 2012. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-35420?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
Does CVE-2026-35420 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?: Yes. CVE-2026-35420 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-29627.
When was CVE-2026-35420 published?: CVE-2026-35420 was published on 2026-05-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-35420

Affected products (7)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2012:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2012:r2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2016:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2019:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2022:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2022_23h2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2025:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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