CVE-2026-49796 - Windows GDI+ Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - is a heap-based buffer overflow in Windows GDI+ that can lead to remote code execution. Microsoft rates it CVSS v3.1 base 7.8 (High) and temporal 6.8; the vector is LOCAL, with LOW attack complexity, NO privileges required, and USER INTERACTION REQUIRED. Microsoft does not report public disclosure or active exploitation, and exploit code maturity is UNPROVEN. Enterprise risk is lower than a network-exploitable RCE because the attack is local and needs user interaction, but it remains a high-severity code execution issue on affected Windows systems.

Highlights:
- CVSS scores: Base 7.8 - Temporal 6.8
- Exploit status & code maturity: Publicly Disclosed: No; Exploited: No; Exploit Code Maturity: UNPROVEN.
- Impact: Remote Code Execution with HIGH confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.
- Exploitation likelihood: Exploitation Less Likely; the CVSS vector is LOCAL with USER INTERACTION REQUIRED.
- Severity for enterprise: High technical severity, but reduced enterprise exposure compared with network-based RCE because exploitation is local and requires user interaction.
- Patch status: available; customer action required.

Affected systems:
- Windows 10 1607
- Windows 10 1809
- Windows 10 21H2
- Windows 10 22H2
- Windows 11 24H2
- Windows 11 25H2
- Windows 11 26H1
- Windows 11 unspecified
- Windows Server 2012
- Windows Server 2012 R2
- Windows Server 2016
- Windows Server 2019
- Windows Server 2022
- Windows Server 2025