Patchfirst
CVE-2026-21519 KEV High · 7.8 EPSS 2.5%

Microsoft Windows Type Confusion Vulnerability

Microsoft · Windows

Summary

A type confusion flaw in the Desktop Window Manager component of Microsoft Windows lets code access a resource through an incompatible type. An attacker who already has an authorized, low-privileged local account can exploit it to elevate privileges, with no user interaction required.

Official description · NVD

Access of resource using incompatible type ('type confusion') in Desktop Window Manager allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Breakdown
65.4 / 100
Exploited
Yes, in CISA KEV
Reports
0
Tactics
1/15

How an attack unfolds

Based on mappings. Select a step to see the evidence.
  1. How attackers get in

First seen exploited the day it was disclosed.

  1. DisclosedFirst seen exploitedVulnCheck KEV evidenceAdded to CISA KEVEU database agreesday 0

CISA KEV listing is when exploitation was confirmed, not necessarily the first attack.

techniques

1 , grouped by in kill-chain order, 1 cited passage 1

Privilege EscalationTA0004

Exploitation for Privilege Escalation T1068 Medium
AI mapping from the description · how it is exploited

Local privilege escalation exploit of Desktop Window Manager

allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally
From the official description (NVD) Original (opens in a new tab) ↗

Detection

0 rules for this CVE · 31 general rules for its techniques

Rules for this CVE

0 that reference CVE-2026-21519 directly.

CVE-specific rules are not available in this build. Search SigmaHQ ↗

General rules for this CVE’s techniques

These detect the technique in general, not this specific vulnerability.

Sigma rules © SigmaHQ, Detection Rule License 1.1; linked, not reproduced.

What security researchers reported

Not named in any threat report yet

Also mentioned in 50 community threat pulses (AlienVault OTX)

Weaker evidence

Pulses are indicator collections that anyone can publish. A mention is not confirmation of exploitation.

References

2 links, grouped by NVD tag
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