CVE-2026-68820
Microsoft Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock Use-After-Free Vulnerability
Microsoft Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock
Use after free in Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Exploitation status
CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities
Listed by CISA on 11 August 2026. US federal agencies were required to remediate it by 25 August 2026.
EPSS — exploitation probability
FIRST puts the probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days at 6.2%, which is higher than 93.2% of all scored vulnerabilities. EPSS is a forecast of activity, not a measure of severity, and it is rescored daily.
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Frequently asked questions
Is CVE-2026-68820 being exploited by ransomware groups?
No ransomware group in this database is currently recorded as exploiting CVE-2026-68820.
What does CVE-2026-68820 affect?
CVE-2026-68820 affects Microsoft Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock. Use after free in Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
How severe is CVE-2026-68820?
CVE-2026-68820 is rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 7. EPSS puts the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days at 6.2%, higher than 93.2% of all scored vulnerabilities. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, with a federal remediation deadline of 25 August 2026.
How should organisations respond to CVE-2026-68820?
Apply the vendor patch for Microsoft Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock as the first priority, and treat any internet-facing instance as the most urgent. Because this vulnerability is associated with ransomware activity, also review whether the affected systems were reachable before patching, rather than assuming that patching alone closes the incident.