A use after free vulnerability in the Microsoft Windows DWM Core Library allows an authenticated local user to escalate privileges to the system level.

The flaw is a use after free vulnerability (CWE-416) within the Windows DWM Core Library, which can be triggered by an authenticated local attacker to gain elevated privileges.

Successful exploitation grants an attacker full administrative control over the affected system, facilitating unauthorized data access, the installation of persistent backdoors, or the disruption of critical business operations. With a CVSS score of 7.8, this vulnerability represents a high-severity risk to internal system integrity and confidentiality.

Immediate Action: Apply the relevant security updates provided by Microsoft in the March 2026 security release cycle to all affected Windows endpoints and servers.

Proactive Monitoring: Monitor system logs for unusual DWM (Desktop Window Manager) crashes or unexpected process elevation events that may indicate exploitation attempts.

Compensating Controls: Ensure that standard user accounts are restricted from accessing sensitive system directories and that the principle of least privilege is strictly enforced to limit the impact of local compromise.

Public Exploit Available: No (exploit_available: false)

Given the potential for complete system compromise, administrators should prioritize the deployment of the March 2026 security patches. Prompt remediation is essential to prevent local attackers from escalating their permissions and gaining full control over enterprise Windows assets.