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major vulnerability· requires attention

Vulnerability in Microsoft Windows DNS component; widespread OS impact that can disrupt enterprise infrastructure if exploited.

Systems

CVE-2026-65789

8.1
High
EPSS 0.54%Patch availableAug 12, 2026

Windows DNS use-after-free allows remote code execution over the network.

common questions

Is CVE-2026-65789 being exploited?

Not confirmed. CVE-2026-65789 does not appear in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, which records only exploitation that has been observed and reported publicly. That is evidence of absence of a report, not evidence the flaw is unattacked. EPSS currently estimates a 0.54% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How severe is CVE-2026-65789?

CVE-2026-65789 is rated High with a CVSS score of 8.1. Severity describes how bad exploitation would be, not how likely it is: pair it with exploitation evidence before deciding what to patch first.

Is there a patch for CVE-2026-65789?

Yes. A fix has been recorded for CVE-2026-65789. The vendor advisory is the authority on the exact fixed version — apply it from there rather than from a summary.

What does CVE-2026-65789 affect?

CVE-2026-65789 affects Microsoft Windows DNS component, Windows Server (DNS role), Windows DNS resolver/service. Confirm the exact affected versions against the vendor advisory before deciding you are exposed.

What should I do about CVE-2026-65789?

Apply vendor patch when available; restrict DNS exposure and monitor affected hosts.

Exploitation status reflects CISA's KEV catalog as we last synced it. Check the catalog directly.

executive summary
technical analysis
affected
Microsoft Windows DNS componentWindows Server (DNS role)Windows DNS resolver/service
impact

Remote code execution via use-after-free in Windows DNS, enabling attackers to run arbitrary code on vulnerable hosts over the network.

action required

Immediate action required

affected versions
Microsoft Windows Server 2016
  • affected>= 10.0.14393.0 and < 10.0.14393.9418
Microsoft Windows Server 2016 (Server Core installation)
  • affected>= 10.0.14393.0 and < 10.0.14393.9418
Microsoft Windows Server 2019
  • affected>= 10.0.17763.0 and < 10.0.17763.9121
Microsoft Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)
  • affected>= 10.0.17763.0 and < 10.0.17763.9121
Microsoft Windows Server 2022
  • affected>= 10.0.20348.0 and < 10.0.20348.5499
Microsoft Windows Server 2025
  • affected>= 10.0.26100.0 and < 10.0.26100.33296
Microsoft Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation)
  • affected>= 10.0.26100.0 and < 10.0.26100.33296

As published in the CVE Program record. A version outside these ranges is not a statement that it is unaffected — vendors sometimes understate a range, and distribution-backported builds carry upstream numbers that do not reflect what was patched into them.

how to fix
Remediation steps are tailored for users whose stack is affected. Add this technology to your stack to see the fix checklist.
references
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