CVE-2026-48572 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
Concurrent execution using shared resource with improper synchronization ('race condition') in Windows App Installer allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2026
This vulnerability represents a classic race condition flaw in the Windows App Installer component that enables local privilege escalation through improper synchronization of shared resources during concurrent execution scenarios. The underlying issue occurs when multiple processes or threads attempt to access and modify the same system resource without adequate locking mechanisms or atomic operations, creating temporal windows where malicious code can exploit the inconsistent state.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient concurrency control within the Windows App Installer service, which fails to properly serialize access to critical system resources during package installation or update operations. When legitimate user processes interact with the installer component while simultaneously being manipulated by an attacker, the lack of proper mutex locking or semaphore controls allows unauthorized code execution paths to be inserted into the system call chain. This race condition typically manifests when the installer service checks for resource availability and subsequently modifies shared registry entries, file system locations, or memory segments without ensuring exclusive access during the critical section.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability affects any local user who has authorized access to execute applications through the Windows App Installer interface, as demonstrated by the common attack vector involving the exploitation of the Windows Installer service. The privilege escalation occurs because the race condition allows an attacker to manipulate installation processes to execute malicious code with elevated privileges typically reserved for system-level operations. This creates a significant security risk within enterprise environments where standard users may have legitimate access to application installation capabilities but should not be able to elevate their privileges through such mechanisms.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which specifically addresses race conditions in concurrent programming where improper synchronization leads to security implications. From the MITRE ATT&CK framework perspective, this represents a local privilege escalation technique that leverages the Windows Installer service and installation components as attack vectors. The exploit typically involves creating malicious installation packages or manipulating existing installation workflows to take advantage of the temporal window where resource synchronization fails, allowing code injection into privileged processes.
Mitigation strategies should include implementing proper mutex locking mechanisms within the installer service to ensure atomic operations during critical resource access phases. System administrators should enforce strict access controls on Windows App Installer components and monitor for unusual installation activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Microsoft recommends applying the latest security updates and patches that address the specific synchronization issues in the installer service. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, disabling unnecessary installation capabilities for standard users, and conducting regular security audits of installation processes to detect potential race condition exploitation attempts.