Microsoft Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock Use-After-Free Vulnerability (CVE-2026-68820)
Severity: high · Patch status: patched · Since 2026-08-11 · CVE-2026-68820
Microsoft Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock contains a use-after-free vulnerability that allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally. CISA added CVE-2026-68820 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Aug 11, 2026, which means attackers are exploiting it in the wild.
What to do
- Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.
- US federal agencies must remediate by Aug 25, 2026 (BOD 22-01); treat that as the outer limit.
Sources
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