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Patch Tuesday

PoC Exploit Released for Microsoft Windows Error Reporting ALPC Privilege Escalation
Winsage
March 4, 2026

PoC Exploit Released for Microsoft Windows Error Reporting ALPC Privilege Escalation

A proof-of-concept exploit for CVE-2026-20817, a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the Windows Error Reporting (WER) service, has been released by security researcher oxfemale on GitHub. This vulnerability allows low-privileged users to gain SYSTEM-level access through crafted Advanced Local Procedure Call (ALPC) messages. The flaw is located in the WER service's SvcElevatedLaunch method, which fails to validate caller privileges before executing WerFault.exe with user-supplied command line parameters. The CVSS v3.1 base score for this vulnerability is 7.8, indicating a high severity level. It affects unpatched versions of Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2022 prior to the January 2026 update. Demonstrations have shown successful exploitation on Windows 11 23H2. Security teams are advised to monitor for unusual processes related to WerFault.exe, investigate missing SeTcbPrivilege in SYSTEM tokens, and review WER-related activities from low-privilege users. Immediate application of the January 2026 security patches is recommended, and a temporary workaround involves disabling the WER service.
Microsoft Windows 11 KB5077181 Update Triggers Infinite Restart Loop on Some Devices
Winsage
February 17, 2026

Microsoft Windows 11 KB5077181 Update Triggers Infinite Restart Loop on Some Devices

Microsoft's Patch Tuesday update, KB5077181, released on February 10, 2026, has caused significant boot failures for users of Windows 11 versions 24H2 (OS build 26200.7840) and 25H2 (OS build 26100.7840), resulting in endless restart loops. Users are reporting over 15 reboot cycles, preventing access to their desktops. Issues include System Event Notification Service (SENS) errors and DHCP problems affecting internet connectivity. Installation errors with codes 0x800f0983 and 0x800f0991 indicate potential hardware, driver, or servicing stack incompatibilities. The update was intended to address 58 vulnerabilities, including six zero-days, but the boot loop issue has overshadowed these enhancements. CVE IDs and their CVSS scores related to the vulnerabilities addressed include: - CVE-2026-21510: 7.5 - CVE-2026-21519: 7.8 - CVE-2026-21533: 8.8 - CVE-2026-20841: 7.1 As of February 15, 2026, there is no "known issues" entry in Microsoft's release notes despite user reports. Users can uninstall the update through the Control Panel if their systems are accessible, or use the Windows Recovery Environment to execute commands for uninstallation if their systems are unbootable.
Windows 11 KB5077181 fixes boot failures linked to failed updates
Winsage
February 16, 2026

Windows 11 KB5077181 fixes boot failures linked to failed updates

Microsoft resolved a critical bug affecting some commercial systems running Windows 11 that caused boot failures due to an "UNMOUNTABLEBOOTVOLUME" error. This issue was linked to problematic updates from December 2025 and primarily impacted devices on Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. The resolution was included in the February 2026 Patch Tuesday update, specifically the Windows 11 KB5077181 security update released on February 10, 2026. An initial fix was provided in the optional update KB5074105 on January 29, 2026. Affected devices experienced failures after installing the January 13, 2026, security update KB5074109. Microsoft recommends that enterprise customers with still unbootable systems contact Microsoft Support for Business for assistance.
Multiple Flaws Found in Microsoft Windows & Office — Could Let Hackers In
Winsage
February 16, 2026

Multiple Flaws Found in Microsoft Windows & Office — Could Let Hackers In

Microsoft has identified at least six zero-day vulnerabilities in Windows and Microsoft Office that were actively being exploited by hackers before patches were released. These vulnerabilities allow attackers to compromise systems with minimal user interaction, such as clicking on malicious links or opening compromised Office documents. Notable examples include a Windows Shell Security Bypass (CVE-2026-21510) and an Office File Exploit that can execute malicious code. The vulnerabilities pose serious risks, including active exploitation, remote code execution, and the potential for malware installation and credential theft. Microsoft has released security patches to address these vulnerabilities, and users are urged to install them immediately. The affected systems include all supported versions of Windows and Microsoft Office applications. Users are advised to install updates, be cautious with emails and links, enable security tools, and keep software up to date.
Microsoft Blocks Credential Autofill to Fix Windows Hello Flaw
Winsage
February 15, 2026

Microsoft Blocks Credential Autofill to Fix Windows Hello Flaw

Microsoft has blocked credential autofill functionality in Windows 11 as part of the February 2026 Patch Tuesday updates to address the critical vulnerability CVE-2026-20804, which allows unauthorized access by tampering with Windows Hello authentication. This vulnerability was first identified in August 2025 and allows local administrators to inject biometric data. The restriction was documented in the January 2026 Patch Tuesday release notes. Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) operates at a hypervisor virtual trust level but is limited by hardware compatibility issues, particularly affecting AMD-based systems. Post-update, credential dialogs do not respond to virtual keyboard inputs from remote desktop or screen-sharing applications, preventing autofill during remote support sessions. Microsoft has provided a risky workaround that allows applications to operate with elevated administrator privileges, but this reintroduces the vulnerability. Organizations must now choose between disrupted remote support workflows or risking exposure to credential injection attacks, leading to operational challenges for IT teams and help desk staff.
Microsoft's latest update patches six zero-days and two critical flaws - but is it another buggy mess?
Winsage
February 12, 2026

Microsoft’s latest update patches six zero-days and two critical flaws – but is it another buggy mess?

Microsoft's February Patch Tuesday update addresses feature and security bugs, continuing the refresh of Secure Boot certificates to protect against bootkit malware. Secure Boot prevents malicious software from executing during startup by using trusted certificates, many of which are set to expire in June. The update is available for both Windows 11 and Windows 10 users, with the latter needing to be enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program until October 2026. Windows 11 fixes include resolutions for full-screen gaming and WPA3-Personal Wi-Fi connectivity issues, while Windows 10 improvements address Chinese fonts, specific graphics processing units, and custom folder names in File Explorer. A bug causing unexpected restarts in Secure Launch-compatible PCs has also been fixed. The update includes 55 security patches, a decrease from January's 114, with two classified as critical and six identified as zero-day vulnerabilities. One vulnerability exploited in the wild could allow system privilege escalation, another could disrupt network connectivity, and a third could disable security controls and access sensitive data. Users can update their Windows 11 PCs through System > Windows Update, and Windows 10 users through System > Update & Security. Due to previous buggy updates, users may consider waiting a few days before installing the February update, with the option to uninstall if issues arise.
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