CVE-2026-68820
HighExploitedPublic exploitUse after free in Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Published Aug 11, 2026 · Updated Oct 8, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2026-68820 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.0 v3.1) affecting Windows 10 1607 (Microsoft), Windows 10 1809 (Microsoft), windows 10 21H2 (Microsoft) and 22 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Aug 11, 2026. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 0.3% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Windows 10 1607 10.0.14393.9418, Windows 10 1809 10.0.17763.9115, Windows 10 1809 10.0.17763.9121.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.0
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
0.3%
Higher than 24.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2026-68820 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
Use after free in Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Aug 11, 2026 | Aug 25, 2026 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Aug 11, 2026 | Aug 25, 2026 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Aug 11, 2026 | Aug 25, 2026 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Aug 11, 2026 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.
Affected Products
72 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 1607Microsoft | 10.0.14393.9418 | 10.0.14393.9418 |
| Windows 10 1809Microsoft | 10.0.17763.9115, 10.0.17763.9121 | 10.0.17763.9115 |
| windows 10 21H2Microsoft | 10.0.19044.7663 | 10.0.19044.7663 |
| windows 10 22H2Microsoft | 10.0.19045.7663 | 10.0.19045.7663 |
| windows 11 23H2Microsoft | 10.0.22631.7517 | 10.0.22631.7517 |
Patched Releases
Windows 10 1607
10.0.14393.9418
Windows 10 1809
10.0.17763.9115, 10.0.17763.9121
windows 10 21H2
10.0.19044.7663
windows 10 22H2
10.0.19045.7663
windows 11 23H2
10.0.22631.7517
windows 11 24H2
10.0.26100.9106, 10.0.26100.9168
windows 11 25H2
10.0.26200.9106, 10.0.26200.9168
windows 11 26H1
10.0.28000.2704
Windows Server 2012
6.2.9200.26280
windows server 2012 R2
6.3.9600.23338
Windows Server 2016
10.0.14393.9418
Windows Server 2019
10.0.17763.9115, 10.0.17763.9121
Windows Server 2022
10.0.20348.5440, 10.0.20348.5499
Windows Server 2025
10.0.26100.33222, 10.0.26100.33296
Windows 10 Version 1607
10.0.14393.9418
Windows 10 Version 1809
10.0.17763.9115, 10.0.17763.9121
Windows 10 Version 21H2
10.0.19044.7663
Windows 10 Version 22H2
10.0.19045.7663
Windows 11 version 23H2
10.0.22631.7517
Windows 11 Version 24H2
10.0.26100.9168
Windows 11 Version 25H2
10.0.26200.9168
Windows 11 version 26H1
10.0.28000.2704
Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation)
6.2.9200.26280
Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation)
6.3.9600.23338
Windows Server 2016 (Server Core installation)
10.0.14393.9418
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Aug 11, 2026
Added to CISA KEV
Aug 11, 2026
Added to Industry KEV feed
Aug 11, 2026
Added to CIRCL KEV
Aug 11, 2026
Added to ENISA EUVD
Aug 11, 2026
Last updated
Oct 8, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-416 Use After Free
References
- advisoryJVN JVNDB-2026-035789
- advisory5120228
- advisory5120229
- advisory5120233
- advisory5120238
FAQ
Common Questions.
Use after free in Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Affected: Windows 10 1607 (Microsoft) versions 10.0.14393.9418; Windows 10 1809 (Microsoft) versions 10.0.17763.9115, 10.0.17763.9121; windows 10 21H2 (Microsoft) versions 10.0.19044.7663, among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Aug 11, 2026.
Yes. It was added on Aug 11, 2026 with a federal remediation due date of Aug 25, 2026.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Windows 10 1607 10.0.14393.9418, Windows 10 1809 10.0.17763.9115, Windows 10 1809 10.0.17763.9121.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Is CVE-2026-68820 Running On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense maps vulnerabilities like this one to your internet-facing assets and tells you exactly where to patch.
Request A Demo