CVE-2026-49170 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
Insufficient granularity of access control in Windows StateRepository API allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2026
The vulnerability described represents a critical access control weakness within the Windows StateRepository API that enables local privilege escalation attacks. This flaw exists due to inadequate permission controls that fail to properly enforce granular access restrictions, allowing authenticated users to bypass normal security boundaries and gain elevated system privileges. The StateRepository API serves as a component responsible for managing application state and configuration data, making it a potentially valuable target for attackers seeking to escalate their operational capabilities within the Windows environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of access tokens and permission levels when processing requests through the StateRepository API. Attackers who already possess standard user credentials can exploit this weakness to manipulate system-level state information that should normally be restricted to administrative users. The flaw operates at the kernel or system service level where the API processes requests, creating a pathway for privilege elevation without requiring additional attack vectors such as remote code execution or exploitation of other vulnerabilities. This type of vulnerability typically falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically addressing insufficient access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, potentially enabling attackers to modify critical system configurations, install malicious software, or access sensitive data that would normally be protected by standard user permissions. The local nature of the attack means that no network connectivity is required for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users have legitimate access to systems but should not possess administrative capabilities. This vulnerability can be leveraged as a stepping stone for further compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistence or move laterally within networks where default user accounts might otherwise provide limited access.
Effective mitigation strategies must focus on implementing proper access control enforcement within the StateRepository API and related system components. System administrators should ensure that all Windows systems are updated with the latest security patches that address this specific vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should implement principle of least privilege controls and regularly audit application permissions to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system APIs. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques where adversaries leverage weak access controls to gain elevated privileges, making it essential for defensive measures to include monitoring for unusual API access patterns and implementing proper logging of state repository operations. Organizations should also consider applying security configurations that restrict unnecessary access to system-level APIs and maintain regular security assessments to identify similar access control weaknesses in other system components.