CVE-2026-49806 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 implementation that enables local privilege escalation through improper synchronization of shared resources during concurrent execution scenarios. The underlying technical issue stems from insufficient mutual exclusion mechanisms when multiple threads or processes attempt to access shared system resources simultaneously, creating opportunities for malicious code execution and privilege elevation. The vulnerability exists within the kernel-mode components of the print driver subsystem where concurrent access to shared memory regions or system objects occurs without adequate locking primitives.
The operational impact of this race condition manifests when an authenticated local user executes malicious code that exploits the timing window between resource allocation and synchronization checks. Attackers can leverage this weakness by carefully orchestrating concurrent operations that manipulate shared print queue structures or driver state variables, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only local authentication access, making it accessible through standard user accounts without requiring administrative credentials initially. This characteristic aligns with attack patterns documented in the mitre att&ck framework under privilege escalation techniques such as process injection and kernel exploitation.
The technical flaw specifically involves improper handling of shared resources within the USB print driver's kernel-mode components where multiple execution paths can simultaneously access critical data structures without proper synchronization mechanisms. This condition creates a window of opportunity for attackers to manipulate resource states during race conditions, potentially causing memory corruption or unauthorized privilege elevation. The vulnerability is classified as a race condition under the common weakness enumeration framework, specifically mapping to cwe-362 which describes improper synchronization issues in concurrent systems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper inter-process communication and synchronization mechanisms including mutex locks, critical sections, or other appropriate concurrency controls within driver code. Microsoft typically addresses such vulnerabilities through regular security updates that include patches to the affected driver components, ensuring proper resource management and synchronization primitives are enforced. System administrators should maintain updated Windows installations with the latest security patches, implement least privilege access controls, and monitor for anomalous print job behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting local user account capabilities to minimize potential impact from such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper resource management in kernel-mode drivers and highlights why concurrency control mechanisms must be rigorously implemented to prevent exploitation by unauthorized users.