CVE-2023-35300 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 07/11/2023
Remote Procedure Call Runtime Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Remote Procedure Call runtime environment that enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without authentication. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the rpcrt4.dll component of microsoft windows operating systems. When a malicious rpc request is processed, the runtime fails to properly validate parameters leading to potential buffer overflows or memory corruption that can be exploited to gain remote code execution privileges. The flaw exists at the core communication layer of distributed applications and affects systems running vulnerable versions of windows server and desktop operating systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves attackers sending specially crafted rpc messages that trigger memory corruption conditions within the rpc runtime library. When the system processes these malformed requests, the rpcrt4.dll module fails to validate the size of incoming data structures or properly handle pointer arithmetic, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite critical memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category of cwe-121 heap-based buffer overflow and cwe-125 out-of-bounds read conditions. The attack surface includes any system that utilizes rpc for inter-process communication or network services such as file sharing, print services, or active directory operations.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Once successfully exploited, attackers can establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges to system level access, and potentially pivot to other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects both server and desktop operating systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where rpc is extensively used for legitimate business operations. Organizations running vulnerable systems face significant risk of data breaches, system outages, and compliance violations. The attack vector requires no user interaction and can be exploited remotely over network connections, making it particularly attractive to automated exploitation tools and advanced persistent threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of microsoft security patches and updates that address the specific memory handling flaws within the rpc runtime. organizations should implement network segmentation and rpc traffic filtering to limit exposure of vulnerable services to untrusted networks. monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual rpc traffic patterns or attempts to access rpc endpoints from unexpected sources. additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary rpc services, implementing strict firewall rules, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify systems running outdated rpc components. security teams should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify exploitation attempts through anomalous memory access patterns or process injection techniques. compliance with nist cybersecurity framework and iso 27001 standards requires organizations to maintain up-to-date vulnerability management processes that include regular patching of critical rpc runtime components. the vulnerability also aligns with attack technique t1055 process injection within the mitre att&ck framework, as exploitation typically involves injecting malicious code into legitimate rpc processes to maintain persistence and evade detection mechanisms.