CVE-2026-49802 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
Concurrent execution using shared resource with improper synchronization ('race condition') in Windows USB Print Driver allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2026
This vulnerability represents a classic race condition flaw in the Windows USB print driver component that enables local privilege escalation through improper synchronization of concurrent operations. The underlying issue occurs when multiple threads or processes attempt to access shared system resources without adequate protective mechanisms, creating opportunities for malicious exploitation. The vulnerability exists within the print driver's handling of USB device connections and printer queue management where timing dependencies allow unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation involves a race condition scenario where the USB print driver fails to properly serialize access to critical shared resources during device enumeration and printer spooler operations. When an authenticated user performs actions related to USB printer communication, the system does not adequately protect against simultaneous access attempts that could lead to memory corruption or unauthorized privilege escalation. This flaw specifically manifests in the Windows print subsystem's handling of USB device state transitions where concurrent access patterns create exploitable conditions.
From an operational perspective this vulnerability presents significant security implications as it requires only local authenticated access to potentially elevate privileges from standard user level to system administrator level. Attackers can leverage this condition by carefully orchestrating timing-sensitive operations that exploit the race condition during printer driver initialization or device connection processes. The attack vector is particularly concerning because USB printer drivers are commonly installed and accessible to regular users, making the exploitation surface relatively broad.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-362 which specifically addresses race conditions in concurrent programming scenarios where improper synchronization leads to security flaws. This weakness typically maps to ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through kernel or driver-level vulnerabilities. The attack chain involves initial user access to the system followed by exploitation of the race condition to gain elevated privileges, potentially enabling further network reconnaissance or lateral movement activities.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper synchronization mechanisms within the print driver code and ensuring that all shared resource access operations are properly protected using appropriate locking primitives. System administrators should apply Microsoft security updates promptly and consider implementing additional access controls such as restricting USB device permissions or disabling unnecessary printer services. The solution requires addressing the root cause through code-level fixes that ensure proper mutual exclusion during critical sections of the print driver execution flow, preventing concurrent access to shared resources without adequate protective measures.