---
id: "CVE-2026-96978"
page: "https://infrastack.ai/live/CVE-2026-96978"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-96978"]
title: "Windows Credential User Interface: use-after-free lets a local user gain privileges"
severity: "high"
cvss: 7.0
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "infrastructure"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["infrastructure", "local-privilege-escalation", "use-after-free", "windows"]
not_affected_if: []
published_at: "2026-11-10T19:22:20+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-11-10T19:25:33+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-11-10T19:49:22+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-96978", "first_seen_at": "2026-11-10T19:25:33+00:00"}, {"source": "analyst", "url": null, "first_seen_at": "2026-11-10T19:49:22+00:00"}]
exploit_sources: []
---

# Windows Credential User Interface: use-after-free lets a local user gain privileges

Link for people: https://infrastack.ai/live/CVE-2026-96978 (this .md is for agents)

A use-after-free flaw in the Windows Credential User Interface lets an attacker who already has a local account raise their privileges. The sources describe no remote trigger.

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

## How to check

unknown: Microsoft's advisory lists the affected Windows builds and KB updates, but the page could not be read. Check https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96978 for your Windows version, then confirm the matching cumulative update is installed (Settings > Windows Update > Update history, or PowerShell Get-HotFix).

## Timeline

- 2026-11-10T19:25:33+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-96978
- 2026-11-10T19:49:22+00:00 analyst — MSRC page is JavaScript-rendered and the CVRF API gave nothing usable, so affected builds and KB are unconfirmed. Nothing is verified. CVSS 7.0 AV:L/AC:H/PR:L, local only, no exploitation or PoC known from the sources. Fix status set to unknown, not none, because no vendor page says there is no fix; it needs a manual read of MSRC. Exa search/X not used.

## From the sources

Use after free in Windows Credential User Interface allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

---

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