PatchTheCVECVE-2026-73015: Heap-based buffer overflow in Windows Biometric Service allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges lo
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Routine
HIGH 7.8WATCHLISTUPGRADEUPGRADEUPGRADE
CVE-2026-73015 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting windows 10 1607, windows 10 1809, windows 10 21h2. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
Heap-based buffer overflow in Windows Biometric Service 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 74%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-122 |
| Published | 2026-09-08 |
| Last modified | 2026-09-11 |
Publisher (CNA): Microsoft Corporation · Vendor: microsoft
Last updated 2026-09-11 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
microsoft windows 10 1607 UPGRADE
Affected: < 10.0.14393.9512
Fixed in: 10.0.14393.9512
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
microsoft windows 10 1809 UPGRADE
Affected: < 10.0.17763.9245
Fixed in: 10.0.17763.9245
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
microsoft windows 10 21h2 UPGRADE
Affected: < 10.0.19044.7725
Fixed in: 10.0.19044.7725
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
microsoft windows 10 22h2 UPGRADE
Affected: < 10.0.19045.7725
Fixed in: 10.0.19045.7725
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
microsoft windows 11 23h2 UPGRADE
Affected: < 10.0.22631.7582
Fixed in: 10.0.22631.7582
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
microsoft windows 11 24h2 UPGRADE
Affected: < 10.0.26100.9445
Fixed in: 10.0.26100.9445
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
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.
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-2026-73015?
windows 10 1607: upgrade to 10.0.14393.9512; windows 10 1809: upgrade to 10.0.17763.9245; windows 10 21h2: upgrade to 10.0.19044.7725. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2026-73015 being exploited?
CVE-2026-73015 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-2026-73015 affect?
CVE-2026-73015 affects windows 10 1607, windows 10 1809, windows 10 21h2. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Heap-based buffer overflow in Windows Biometric Service allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
How urgent is CVE-2026-73015?
Priority 39/100. High severity; On your watchlist
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