---
id: "CVE-2026-123389"
page: "https://infrastack.ai/live/CVE-2026-123389"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-123389"]
title: "Windows QWAVE service: use-after-free lets a local user gain higher privileges"
severity: "high"
cvss: 7.0
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "infrastructure"
products: [{"name": "Windows 10 22H2", "fixed": ["10.0.19045.7846"], "affected": "< 10.0.19045.7846", "ecosystem": "microsoft"}, {"name": "Windows 11 24H2", "fixed": ["10.0.26100.9974"], "affected": "< 10.0.26100.9974", "ecosystem": "microsoft"}, {"name": "Windows 11 25H2", "fixed": ["10.0.26200.9974"], "affected": "< 10.0.26200.9974", "ecosystem": "microsoft"}, {"name": "Windows Server 2022", "fixed": ["10.0.20348.5870"], "affected": "< 10.0.20348.5870", "ecosystem": "microsoft"}, {"name": "Windows Server 2025", "fixed": ["10.0.26100.33822"], "affected": "< 10.0.26100.33822", "ecosystem": "microsoft"}, {"name": "Windows Server 2019", "fixed": ["10.0.17763.9487"], "affected": "< 10.0.17763.9487", "ecosystem": "microsoft"}, {"name": "Windows Server 2016", "fixed": ["10.0.14393.9688"], "affected": "< 10.0.14393.9688", "ecosystem": "microsoft"}]
ecosystems: []
tags: ["infrastructure", "multi-user", "privilege-escalation", "self-hosted", "windows"]
not_affected_if: ["no-local-users", "service-disabled"]
published_at: "2026-11-10T19:20:42+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-11-10T19:25:12+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-11-10T21:30:10+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-123389", "first_seen_at": "2026-11-10T19:25:12+00:00"}, {"source": "analyst", "url": "https://app.opencve.io/cve/CVE-2026-123389", "first_seen_at": "2026-11-10T21:30:10+00:00", "cites": ["https://app.opencve.io/cve/CVE-2026-123389"]}]
exploit_sources: []
---

# Windows QWAVE service: use-after-free lets a local user gain higher privileges

Link for people: https://infrastack.ai/live/CVE-2026-123389 (this .md is for agents)

A use-after-free flaw in the Windows Quality Windows Audio/Video Experience (QWAVE) service lets an authorized local user elevate privileges. An attacker who already has a low-privilege account on the machine can gain higher rights.

_Summary, check and fix written by a model from the sources; labelled as such._

## Affected

- microsoft:Windows 10 22H2 affected < 10.0.19045.7846 fixed 10.0.19045.7846
- microsoft:Windows 11 24H2 affected < 10.0.26100.9974 fixed 10.0.26100.9974
- microsoft:Windows 11 25H2 affected < 10.0.26200.9974 fixed 10.0.26200.9974
- microsoft:Windows Server 2022 affected < 10.0.20348.5870 fixed 10.0.20348.5870
- microsoft:Windows Server 2025 affected < 10.0.26100.33822 fixed 10.0.26100.33822
- microsoft:Windows Server 2019 affected < 10.0.17763.9487 fixed 10.0.17763.9487
- microsoft:Windows Server 2016 affected < 10.0.14393.9688 fixed 10.0.14393.9688

## How to check

Run winver (or [Environment]::OSVersion.Version) and compare the build with the fixed builds in the fix field; lower means exposed. Check the service with sc query QWAVE. Microsoft's page: https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-123389

## Fix

Install the November 2026 Windows cumulative update that brings the build to at least: Win10 22H2 10.0.19045.7846; Win11 24H2/25H2 10.0.26100.9974 / 26200.9974; Win11 23H2 10.0.22631.7711; Server 2022 10.0.20348.5870; Server 2025 10.0.26100.33822. Confirm KB numbers on the MSRC page.

## Timeline

- 2026-11-10T19:25:12+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-123389
- 2026-11-10T21:30:10+00:00 analyst https://app.opencve.io/cve/CVE-2026-123389 — Microsoft's MSRC page is JS-only and unreadable here; affected/fixed builds come from OpenCVE's copy of Microsoft's CNA record (secondary), so nothing is marked verified. CVSS vector shows E:U (no exploit proven). No exploitation or PoC found.

## Documents

- [describes] OpenCVE: CVE-2026-123389 (mirror of Microsoft CNA record) https://app.opencve.io/cve/CVE-2026-123389

## From the sources

Use after free in Quality Windows Audio/Video Experience (QWAVE) service allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

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_Free to read, with fair use of about 60 pages a minute. For higher limits or API access: sales@infrastack.ai_