CVE-2026-85936
HighCVSS 8.8Exploitation Probability (EPSS)
Low risk45th percentile - higher than 45% of all known CVEs
Summary
A double free vulnerability in Windows Shell allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
Risk Assessment
An attacker without valid credentials could remotely execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to system compromise and lateral movement within the network.
Recommendation
Immediately apply security updates for Windows Shell and limit exposure of network services.
Other vulnerabilities in Windows Shell
See all- CVE-2017-8699High
Windows Shell in Microsoft Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 and R2 SP1, Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allows an attacker to run arbitrary code in the context of the current user due to improper validation of file copy destinations.
- CVE-2017-8463High
Windows Shell in Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016 has a remote code execution vulnerability due to improper handling of executable files and shares during rename operations.
- CVE-2016-0179High
Windows Shell in Microsoft Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site.
- CVE-2015-2515High
A use-after-free vulnerability in Windows Shell in various versions of Microsoft Windows allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted toolbar object.
- CVE-2026-96951HighActively exploited
Improper neutralization of special elements used in a command ('command injection') in Windows Shell allows an unauthorized attacker to bypass a security feature over a network.
- CVE-2026-83782Critical
Heap-based buffer overflow in Windows Shell allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
- CVE-2026-69829Critical
Heap-based buffer overflow in Windows Shell allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code remotely over a network.
- CVE-2026-32202MediumActively exploited
A protection mechanism failure in Windows Shell allows an unauthorized attacker to perform spoofing over a network. This could lead to impersonation of trusted entities.
- CVE-2018-8414HighActively exploited
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Shell does not properly validate file paths. This affects Windows 10 Servers, Windows 10.
- CVE-2026-83906Medium
Incorrect implementation of an authentication algorithm in Windows Shell allows an unauthorized attacker to perform spoofing over a network.
Original NVD description (English source)
Double free in Windows Shell allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
Vulnerability data from NVD (NIST) · CISA KEV · EPSS