Microsoft Windows Shell Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

A double free vulnerability has been identified in Windows Shell, allowing an authorized attacker to locally elevate privileges. This vulnerability affects multiple Windows 11 versions and Windows Server 2022, 2025, and 2025 (Server Core installation). The issue arises from a double free memory error, which can create a race condition that attackers might exploit to gain administrator rights.

Impact

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, allowing attackers to gain administrative rights on the affected system.

Remediation

Users can apply the security update for this vulnerability, which is available through the Microsoft Update Catalog. Specific update details can be found in the Microsoft Knowledge Base articles linked in the product update guidance.