High priorityDisclosed

Advisory · CVE-2026-102225

Out-of-bounds read in Windows Text Shaping, third Text Shaping flaw this cycle

Windows Text Shaping has an out-of-bounds read a remote attacker can use to execute code when a victim interacts with crafted content. Microsoft rates it CVSS 3.1 8.8.

Advisory published October 13, 2026Independent summary
Vendor
Microsoft
Product
Windows Text Shaping
Identifier / CWE
CVE-2026-102225
CWE-125, CWE-197
Action timing
Immediate
ELI5

Explain it like I’m five

The text rendering stack keeps collecting flaws this month; this one reads past its data and Microsoft ties it to code execution.

SIMPLIFIED_ATTACK_PATH03 STEPS
  1. 01Attacker engages the component

    A remote or authorized attacker sends crafted content or requests to Windows Text Shaping.

  2. 02Weakness triggers

    The component mishandles the input and the flaw takes effect.

  3. 03Impact lands

    The attacker gains the execution, elevation, or access the flaw allows.

What happened

Microsoft disclosed CVE-2026-102225 in its October 2026 update guide: an out-of-bounds read (CWE-125, with CWE-197 also listed) in Windows Text Shaping, alongside two critical heap overflows in the same component this cycle.

Microsoft lists the affected releases and their patched build thresholds in its update guide. Apply the October 2026 security updates for your release rather than relying on a version guess here.

What to do

  1. Inventory every Windows Text Shaping deployment, including test, training, and individually managed instances.
  2. Apply the vendor fix or upgrade exactly as directed in the linked vendor bulletin or advisory.
  3. Restrict network access to Windows Text Shaping while remediation is underway, especially for internet-facing instances.
  4. Review application and server logs for text rendering crashes in document and messaging applications.
  5. Check for accounts, content, or configuration created outside normal change processes, and rotate exposed credentials where access cannot be ruled out.
  6. Verify the deployed version or patch level after remediation.

Management note

Three Text Shaping CVEs in one cycle, one patch. Document-processing systems go first.