CVE-2026-96251: Reliance on untrusted inputs in a security decision in Microsoft PowerShell allows an unauthorized attacker to

This month

HIGH 8.8WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-96251 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting powershell. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Reliance on untrusted inputs in a security decision in Microsoft PowerShell allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 56%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-807
Published	2026-10-13
Last modified	2026-10-22

Publisher (CNA): Microsoft Corporation · Vendor: microsoft

Last updated 2026-10-22 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-10-13Published CVE record published
2026-10-22 23:20 UTCUpdated Record last modified

microsoft powershell UPGRADE

Affected: >= 7.4 and < 7.4.21 · >= 7.5 and < 7.5.12 · >= 7.6 and < 7.6.7

Fixed in: 7.4.21, 7.5.12, 7.6.7

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.4

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy powershell || rpm -q powershell || powershell --version

2. UPGRADE to 7.4.21 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade powershell

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade powershell

Note

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

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 7.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison powershell sudo apt install powershell=<VERSION_BEFORE_7.4> sudo apt-mark hold powershell

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list powershell sudo dnf downgrade powershell-<VERSION_BEFORE_7.4> sudo dnf versionlock add powershell

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Exact fixes by distribution

Fedora 46 · rubygem-eventmachine · FIXED · 1.2.7-37.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-7194c202a2 · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-7194c202a2

Advisories and coverage

Official advisories

Microsoft MSRC Update Guide: CVE-2026-96251 Microsoft PowerShell Remote Code Execution Vulnerability 2026-10-22

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-2026-96251?

powershell: upgrade to 7.4.21, 7.5.12, 7.6.7. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-96251 being exploited?

CVE-2026-96251 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-2026-96251 affect?

CVE-2026-96251 affects powershell. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). Reliance on untrusted inputs in a security decision in Microsoft PowerShell allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.

How urgent is CVE-2026-96251?

Priority 47/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Software pages

PowerShell vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-96303 MEDIUM 6.5 UPGRADE Improperly implemented security check for standard in Microsoft PowerShell allows an unauthorized attacker to

References

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