CVE-2026-20805
Published: January 13, 2026
Official Description
Microsoft Windows Desktop Windows Manager contains an information disclosure vulnerability that allows an authorized attacker to disclose information locally.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Windows Information Disclosure Vulnerability
Microsoft Windows Desktop Windows Manager contains an information disclosure vulnerability that allows an authorized attacker to disclose information locally.
Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Risk Analysis
This vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Desktop Windows Manager allows a local, authorized attacker to access sensitive information. With a CVSS score of 5.5, it is rated as MEDIUM severity, but its inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog and an EPSS score of 0.04146 indicate a higher likelihood of exploitation and immediate attention is warranted.
This vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild, as confirmed by its presence in CISA's KEV catalog. Exploitation requires local access to the system.
Apply the latest security updates for Microsoft Windows to patch the Desktop Windows Manager. Regularly review and restrict user privileges to minimize the impact of local exploits.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-20805 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires low privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), with a CVSS base score of 5.5.
CISA has added CVE-2026-20805 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (2)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2026-20805 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1