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CVE-2026-72987

HIGH 8.1 ALL-YEARS

Published 2026-09-08 · Last modified 2026-10-14 · microsoft · NVD: Analyzed

Use after free in Windows DNS allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.

ELEVATED IMPACT

Severe if exploited (CVSS 8.1), but no confirmed exploitation. Patch on a normal cadence.

Exploitation likelihood

0.7%chance of exploitation in 30 days · 53rd percentile

○ In CISA KEV○ Catalogued PoC◆ SSVC: exploitation none, automatable no

Impact if exploited

8.1CVSS 3.1 · HIGH · CNA

  • ConfidentialityHigh
  • IntegrityHigh
  • AvailabilityHigh

What an attacker needs

  • ✓Access: Reachable over the network — no local access needed
  • ✓Privileges: No account or privileges required
  • ✓User interaction: No user interaction needed
  • ⚠Complexity: Needs a race window or specific setup

✓ lowers the bar for an attacker · ⚠ raises it

Proof of concept

No public PoC is currently catalogued.

Search for new PoCs

Search GitHub now — results may be empty or unverified.

Tracked sources are checked weekly for the full archive, including PoCs published after the original disclosure. A later release appears after a tracked source lists it and a refresh succeeds.

Affected

Vendors Microsoft

Products Windows 10 Version 1607 Windows 10 Version 1809 Windows Server 2012 Windows Server 2012 (Server Core Installation) Windows Server 2012 R2 Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core Installation) Windows Server 2016 Windows Server 2016 (Server Core Installation) Windows Server 2019 Windows Server 2019 (Server Core Installation) Windows Server 2022 Windows Server 2025 Windows Server 2025 (Server Core Installation) Windows 10 1607 Windows 10 1809

Weakness (CWE)

  • CWE-416: : Use After Free

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C

References and research data (JSON)

Known Affected Software Configurations

VendorProductVersion range
MicrosoftWindows 10 1607< 10.0.14393.9512
MicrosoftWindows 10 1607< 10.0.14393.9512
MicrosoftWindows 10 1809< 10.0.17763.9245
MicrosoftWindows 10 1809< 10.0.17763.9245
MicrosoftWindows Server 2012*
MicrosoftWindows Server 2012r2
MicrosoftWindows Server 2016< 10.0.14393.9512
MicrosoftWindows Server 2019< 10.0.17763.9245
MicrosoftWindows Server 2022< 10.0.20348.5622
MicrosoftWindows Server 2025< 10.0.26100.33438

All CVSS metrics

  • HIGH 8.1 v3.1 · CNA Primary
    CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C
  • HIGH 8.1 v3.1 · NVD Secondary
    CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

References

Patches & mitigations

Advisories

Sources: NVD · CVE.org · All sources and attribution · EPSS