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Microsoft Windows Paint: Remote code execution (CVE-2026-83844)

A critical remote code execution vulnerability (CVE-2026-83844) in Microsoft Windows Paint allows attackers to execute arbitrary code when a victim opens a specially crafted image file.

CVE search metadata

CVE search record: CVE-2026-83844. Severity: high. CVSS: 8.1. EPSS: 0.73%. KEV: no. Product: Paint (< 11.2609.401.0). Brief: Microsoft Windows Paint: Remote code execution (CVE-2026-83844). Brief link: https://feed.craftedsignal.io/briefs/2026-11-windows-paint-rce/

Triage facts

Revision 1
Applicability
Paint (< 11.2609.401.0)
Evidence
Unknown
Severity
High
Action
Elevated
Sources
1 public source
Freshness
Revision 1Nov 6, 11:17 UTC
Vulnerabilities
1 CVE
Source quality
A1Roughly even chance

A vulnerability (CVE-2026-83844) exists in Microsoft Windows Paint, rated with a risk score of 8.1. An attacker can exploit this flaw by enticing a user to open a specially crafted image file within the application. Successful exploitation permits the execution of arbitrary commands, enabling unauthorized access, data manipulation, or the installation of malicious software. No active exploitation has been reported as of the date of the advisory.

Impact

Successful exploitation allows an attacker to gain control over the affected system, enabling the viewing, modification, or deletion of data and the execution of arbitrary programs.

Recommendation

  • Update Microsoft Windows Paint to version 11.2609.401.0 or later via the Microsoft Store or standard Windows update channels.
  • If the application version is unknown, conduct an inventory of installed software versions to identify systems requiring updates.

Immediate actions

Update Microsoft Windows Paint to version 11.2609.401.0 or later on all managed endpoints.

IT Operations 72h

Threat Hunt

Monitor for Paint.exe spawning child processes (e.g., cmd.exe, powershell.exe, wscript.exe) which is indicative of malicious payload execution.

T1203 high high confidence hunt now

Data: Sysmon Event ID 1 (Process Creation)

Mitigations

Deploy update to version 11.2609.401.0

immediate IT Operations

CVE-2026-83844