Microsoft is aware of a security feature bypass vulnerability in Windows publicly referred to as "YellowKey". The proof of concept for this vulnerability has been made public violating coordinated vulnerability best practices.
We are issuing this CVE to provide mitigation guidance that can be implemented to protect against this vulnerability until the security update is made available.
Mitigation FAQs
Should I leverage the temporary mitigation?
Microsoft recommends that you consider implementing these mitigations if you are concerned your devices and data are at risk of being compromised or stolen. For example, if your organization’s employees take their work devices home or on business travel.
What impact to service availability/management could be caused by implementing the mitigations?
Implementing these mitigations will not impact service availability or management operations.
Do customers need to revert the changes made to mitigate the vulnerability once the security update to protect against this vulnerability is available?
No. The security update will maintain the mitigation's behavior once the security update is installed.
I am using TPM+PIN, am I at risk of this vulnerability being exploited
No, if you are using TPM+PIN the vulnerability is not exploitable.
References
| Link | Resource |
|---|---|
| https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-45585 | Mitigation Vendor Advisory |
| https://github.com/Nightmare-Eclipse/YellowKey | Exploit Third Party Advisory |
Configurations
Configuration 1 (hide)
|
History
22 May 2026, 23:16
| Type | Values Removed | Values Added |
|---|---|---|
| References | () https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-45585 - Mitigation, Vendor Advisory | |
| Summary | (en) Microsoft is aware of a security feature bypass vulnerability in Windows publicly referred to as "YellowKey". The proof of concept for this vulnerability has been made public violating coordinated vulnerability best practices. We are issuing this CVE to provide mitigation guidance that can be implemented to protect against this vulnerability until the security update is made available. Mitigation FAQs Should I leverage the temporary mitigation? Microsoft recommends that you consider implementing these mitigations if you are concerned your devices and data are at risk of being compromised or stolen. For example, if your organization’s employees take their work devices home or on business travel. What impact to service availability/management could be caused by implementing the mitigations? Implementing these mitigations will not impact service availability or management operations. Do customers need to revert the changes made to mitigate the vulnerability once the security update to protect against this vulnerability is available? No. The security update will maintain the mitigation's behavior once the security update is installed. I am using TPM+PIN, am I at risk of this vulnerability being exploited No, if you are using TPM+PIN the vulnerability is not exploitable. |
20 May 2026, 16:42
| Type | Values Removed | Values Added |
|---|---|---|
| References | () https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-45585 - Vendor Advisory, Mitigation | |
| References | () https://github.com/Nightmare-Eclipse/YellowKey - Exploit, Third Party Advisory | |
| First Time |
Microsoft
Microsoft windows Server 2025 Microsoft windows 11 26h1 Microsoft windows 11 25h2 Microsoft windows 11 24h2 |
|
| CPE | cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_11_25h2:*:*:*:*:*:*:x64:* cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2025:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:* cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_11_26h1:*:*:*:*:*:*:x64:* cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_11_24h2:*:*:*:*:*:*:x64:* |
20 May 2026, 13:16
| Type | Values Removed | Values Added |
|---|---|---|
| References |
|
20 May 2026, 00:16
| Type | Values Removed | Values Added |
|---|---|---|
| New CVE |
Information
Published : 2026-05-20 00:16
Updated : 2026-05-22 23:16
NVD link : CVE-2026-45585
Mitre link : CVE-2026-45585
CVE.ORG link : CVE-2026-45585
JSON object : View
Products Affected
microsoft
- windows_11_25h2
- windows_11_24h2
- windows_11_26h1
- windows_server_2025
CWE
CWE-77
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')