CVE-2026-20805 Microsoft Windows: information leak
In plain words: The program reveals information it should keep private. Leaked secrets — tokens, passwords or memory contents — that help a bigger attack.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Feb 3, 2026
What to do
- Install Microsoft's security update for Windows. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
- Be careful with unexpected attachments — documents, .zip/.rar files and shortcuts are common bait.
- Use a normal (non-admin) account day to day and keep built-in protection like Microsoft Defender on.
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: Your files, saved passwords and accounts. Many of these let a program that is already running gain full administrator control.
The details
- Official name
- Microsoft Windows Information Disclosure Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Windows
- CISA description
- Microsoft Windows Desktop Windows Manager contains an information disclosure vulnerability that allows an authorized attacker to disclose information locally.
- Type of flaw
- Information leak (CWE-200)
- Confirmed exploited
- Jan 13, 2026
- US federal patch deadline
- Feb 3, 2026
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Answering about CVE-2026-20805 ·
Questions about CVE-2026-20805
Is CVE-2026-20805 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2026-20805 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Jan 13, 2026, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2026-20805?
Install Microsoft's security update for Windows. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
Am I affected by CVE-2026-20805?
Only if you use Microsoft Windows. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.