CVE-2026-68820: Microsoft Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock Use-After-Free Vulnerability

What is known

Use after free in Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Business impact

Successful exploitation of CVE-2026-68820, a high vulnerability (CVSS 7.0) affecting Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock, may affect the confidentiality, integrity or availability of the vulnerable environment. The exact impact depends on the installed version, exposed interfaces and deployment configuration. CISA lists this vulnerability in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, so exposed systems should be treated as a priority.

Recommended administrator action

Confirm whether Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock is present and compare installed versions with the vendor advisory and NVD record. Apply the vendor patch or documented mitigation; until remediation is complete, reduce exposure of affected interfaces, review relevant logs and monitor for indicators of exploitation. Where applicable, include the CISA KEV remediation due date of 2026-08-25 in the change plan. DataHouse can support version verification, managed patching, network exposure reduction, log review and backup validation for dedicated, cloud and colocated environments.

Sources

• NVD
• CISA KEV
• Reference
• Reference