CVE intelligenceCISA KEV

CVE-2026-96951

Microsoft Windows Command Injection Vulnerability

Published Oct 13, 2026Sources checked Oct 21, 2026

8.8HIGHCVSS out of 10

What this means

Actively exploited

CISA lists CVE-2026-96951 in its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, which means exploitation has been observed. The entry applies to Microsoft Windows.

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.

Public exploit: Not collected.

Microsoft Security Response Center: Exploitation reported by Microsoft Security Response Center (2026-10-13)
Microsoft exploitation status: Exploited:Yes

What to do next

Remediation and response

Review the linked vendor advisory and apply the mitigation or fixed release for your affected product.

Microsoft Security Response Center guidance

Vendor revision: Oct 13, 2026

Vendor remediation details

Release Notes Install KB5126836. Install KB5126868. Install KB5126651. Install KB5126657. Install KB5126655. Install KB5126653. Install KB5127648. Install KB5126646. Install KB5127646.

Vendor-listed releases

6.3.9600.23470
10.0.14393.9612
10.0.17763.9376
10.0.19044.7807
10.0.19045.7807
10.0.20348.5761
10.0.22631.7652
10.0.26100.9711
10.0.26200.9711
10.0.26300.9711
10.0.26100.33650
10.0.28000.3231
20260925.100

CISA KEVListedObserved exploitation

EPSS1.5%Estimated 30-day exploitation probability

Ransomware useNot markedCISA KEV ransomware field

Threat actors1Source-linked actor relationships

Overview

What is CVE-2026-96951?

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.

Source: NVD

Reported activity: Microsoft exploitation status: Exploited:Yes
Microsoft Security Response Center · Published Oct 13, 2026

CISA says: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.CISA catalog due date Oct 16, 2026