New Windows 'MiniPlasma' zero-day exploit gives SYSTEM access, PoC released

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AI-assisted · Cerebras / Llama · May 23, 2026, 2:25 PM · inspect sources below rather than trusting this alone

A cybersecurity researcher has released a proof-of-concept exploit for a Windows privilege escalation vulnerability known as "MiniPlasma," which allows attackers to gain SYSTEM access on fully patched Windows systems. This exploit is linked to a previously reported vulnerability from 2020, identified as CVE-2020-17103, which Microsoft had claimed to have patched.

Coverage among the outlets is largely consistent, with all four sources focusing on the technical details of the exploit and its implications for system security. However, PCWorld emphasizes the historical context of the vulnerability, noting that it was supposedly patched in 2020, while the other sources primarily report on the recent release of the proof-of-concept. None of the articles delve deeply into the potential consequences for users or the broader implications for cybersecurity practices.

No outlet provided insights from Microsoft regarding the current status of the vulnerability or any response to the new exploit. This omission leaves a gap in understanding how the company plans to address the issue and what users should do to protect themselves, which could be particularly relevant for those relying on Windows systems.