CVE-2026-72998: Windows DHCP Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
CVE-2026-72998 is a remote code execution vulnerability in Windows DHCP Server, rated Important by Microsoft, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 (High). An attacker can exploit it remotely over the network, without any privileges and without user interaction. Microsoft has not reported exploitation in the wild and rates exploitation as less likely. Microsoft released the fix on 10 November 2026 in the November 2026 Patch Tuesday, delivered through 5 security updates (KB5131085, KB5131090, KB5131080, KB5131077 and more). It affects 8 products in 2 product families (Windows, ESU).
Key facts
- CVE ID
- CVE-2026-72998
- Severity
- High CVSS 8.1
- Microsoft severity
- Important
- Impact
- Remote Code Execution
- Exploited in the wild
- No
- Publicly disclosed
- No
- Exploitation likelihood
- Less Likely
- CISA KEV
- Not listed
- Released
- Last updated
- Patch Tuesday
- November 2026 Patch Tuesday
- Product families
- Windows, ESU
CVSS score and vector
Microsoft scores CVE-2026-72998 at 8.1 (temporal 7.1) using CVSS 3.1. Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Attack vector | Network |
| Attack complexity | High |
| Privileges required | None |
| User interaction | None |
| Scope | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality impact | High |
| Integrity impact | High |
| Availability impact | High |
| Exploit code maturity | Unproven |
| Remediation level | Official fix |
| Report confidence | Confirmed |
Description
Use after free in Windows DHCP Server allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
Frequently asked questions (Microsoft)
How could an attacker exploit this vulnerability?
An unauthenticated attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted packet to an affected service over the network. Successful exploitation could allow the attacker to execute code on the target system. No authentication or user interaction is required.
According to the CVSS metric, the attack complexity is high (AC:H). What does that mean for this vulnerability?
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to have a deep understanding of the system and the ability to manipulate its components to trigger a specific condition. Successful exploitation is not guaranteed and depends on a combination of factors that may include the environment, system configuration, and the presence of additional security measures.
According to the CVSS metric, the attack complexity is high (AC:H). What does that mean for this vulnerability?
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to have a deep understanding of the system. Successful exploitation is not guaranteed and depends on a combination of factors that might include the environment, system configuration, and the presence of additional security measures.
Affected products (8)
Windows
| Product | Security update | Type | Fixed build | Restart |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Server 2019 | KB5131085 | Security Update | 10.0.17763.9487 | Yes |
| Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation) | KB5131085 | Security Update | 10.0.17763.9487 | Yes |
| Windows Server 2022 | KB5131090 | Security Update | 10.0.20348.5870 | Yes |
| Windows Server 2022 (Server Core installation) | KB5131090 | Security Update | 10.0.20348.5870 | Yes |
| Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation) | KB5131080 KB5131077 | Security Update Security Update | 10.0.26100.33822 10.0.26100.33730 | Yes No |
| Windows Server 2025 | KB5131080 KB5131077 | Security Update Security Update | 10.0.26100.33822 10.0.26100.33730 | Yes No |
ESU
Security updates (5)
Acknowledgments
- Anemone
- Rutuja Shirali with Microsoft
- bo13oy
- Navya Sree Arugonda with Microsoft
Revision history
| Version | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Information published. |