---
id: "CVE-2026-96973"
page: "https://infrastack.ai/live/CVE-2026-96973"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-96973"]
title: "Windows: use-after-free in EFS lets a local user gain privileges"
severity: "high"
cvss: 7.0
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "infrastructure"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["efs", "infrastructure", "local-privilege-escalation", "windows"]
not_affected_if: ["no-untrusted-local-users"]
published_at: "2026-11-10T19:22:19+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-11-10T19:25:33+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-11-10T19:49:08+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-96973", "first_seen_at": "2026-11-10T19:25:33+00:00"}, {"source": "analyst", "url": null, "first_seen_at": "2026-11-10T19:49:08+00:00"}]
exploit_sources: []
---

# Windows: use-after-free in EFS lets a local user gain privileges

Link for people: https://infrastack.ai/live/CVE-2026-96973 (this .md is for agents)

Microsoft/NVD describe a use-after-free in the Windows Encrypting File System (EFS) that lets an authorized local attacker elevate privileges (CVSS 7.0, AV:L/AC:H/PR:L). No exploitation or public PoC is reported in the sources. Affected builds and the fixing update are not yet confirmed.

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

## How to check

Run winver or systeminfo to get the Windows version and build. Compare it with the Affected products table on https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96973 once Microsoft lists the updates. As of now the affected builds and KB articles are unknown from the sources read. Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update.

## Timeline

- 2026-11-10T19:25:33+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-96973
- 2026-11-10T19:49:08+00:00 analyst — MSRC page (JS-only) returned no build/KB data; CVRF API empty. Only NVD text available. No affected builds or fix confirmed; nothing verified. Revisit when MSRC lists KBs.

## From the sources

Use after free in Windows Encrypting File System (EFS) 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_