How severe is CVE-2026-96188?

CVE-2026-96188 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2026-96188 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (29th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2026-96188?

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.

When was CVE-2026-96188 published?

CVE-2026-96188 was published on 2026-10-13.

CVE-2026-96188

CVE-2026-96188 is a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3. 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-15.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.3)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (29th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-15
Published: 2026-10-13
Last modified: 2026-10-13

Description

External control of system or configuration setting in Microsoft PowerToys allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-96188?: External control of system or configuration setting in Microsoft PowerToys allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
How severe is CVE-2026-96188?: CVE-2026-96188 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2026-96188 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (29th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
How do I fix CVE-2026-96188?: 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.
When was CVE-2026-96188 published?: CVE-2026-96188 was published on 2026-10-13.

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96188

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