Windows AFD.sys Zero

Gbhackers •Divya • August 12, 2026

Lazarus has expanded its long-running Operation Dream Job campaign by exploiting a Windows zero-day vulnerability that grants attackers SYSTEM-level access and helps neutralize endpoint visibility. This DPRK-linked threat actor is specifically targeting defense, aerospace, and aviation organizations worldwide, with recent activity impacting entities in Europe and India. Check Point Research identified the flaw as CVE-2026-68820, […]

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This article is one source in a clustered incident — the cluster page carries the summary, timeline and every other outlet covering it.

Lazarus Group Exploits Windows Zero-Day to Target Defense Sector The North Korean hacking group Lazarus exploited a zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2026-68820) in the Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock (afd.sys) to gain SYSTEM-level access to defense sector systems. This vulnerability was actively exploited for weeks before a patch was released on August 11, 2026. The attack method involved fake job offers to lure professionals into downloading malicious software, part of the ongoing Operation Dream Job campaign. Affected organizations include defense contractors and aerospace firms in countries like France, Germany, India, and Brazil. The exploit allows attackers to escalate privileges without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.0 and was added to the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on the same day the patch was released. Check Point Research reported the vulnerability on July 28, 2026, after observing active exploitation since early July. 33 sources 81

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Windows AFD.sys Zero

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APT Groups (2)

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Countries (1)

CVEs (1)

MITRE ATT&CK (2)

Platforms (1)