CVE-2026-57968: Buffer over-read in Windows Subsystem for Linux allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Q: How do I fix CVE-2026-57968?

windows subsystem for linux: upgrade to 2.7.8. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2026-57968 being exploited?

CVE-2026-57968 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2026-57968 affect?

CVE-2026-57968 affects windows subsystem for linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Buffer over-read in Windows Subsystem for Linux allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2026-57968?

Priority 39/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Routine

HIGH 7.8WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-57968 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting windows subsystem for linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer over-read in Windows Subsystem for Linux allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 75%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-126
Published	2026-07-14
Last modified	2026-10-24

Publisher (CNA): Microsoft Corporation · Vendor: microsoft

Last updated 2026-10-24 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-07-14 18:18 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-24 21:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

microsoft windows subsystem for linux UPGRADE

Affected: < 2.7.8

Fixed in: 2.7.8

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy windows-subsystem-for-linux || rpm -q windows-subsystem-for-linux || windows-subsystem-for-linux --version

2. UPGRADE to 2.7.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade windows-subsystem-for-linux

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade windows-subsystem-for-linux

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-57968?

windows subsystem for linux: upgrade to 2.7.8. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-57968 being exploited?

CVE-2026-57968 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-57968 affect?

CVE-2026-57968 affects windows subsystem for linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Buffer over-read in Windows Subsystem for Linux allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

How urgent is CVE-2026-57968?

Priority 39/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Software pages

Windows vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-57973 MEDIUM 6.3 UPGRADE Time-of-check time-of-use (toctou) race condition in Windows Subsystem for Linux allows an authorized attacker

References

← Back to latest CVEs