CVE-2026-50299 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
Integer overflow or wraparound in Windows Storage Spaces Direct allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code with a physical attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical integer overflow condition within the Windows Storage Spaces Direct functionality that can be exploited by unauthorized attackers through physical access methods. The flaw occurs when the system processes storage operations that involve integer arithmetic, specifically where unsigned integers exceed their maximum representable values and wrap around to zero or negative values. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category known as "Integer Overflow or Wraparound" and can be leveraged by attackers who have physical access to target systems to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the storage management subsystem where integer variables are used to calculate buffer sizes, array indices, or memory allocation parameters. When these integers overflow during calculations, they can cause memory corruption that allows attackers to manipulate program execution flow through controlled data inputs. The attack vector requires physical presence because the exploitation typically involves manipulating storage hardware directly or using specialized tools to trigger the vulnerable code path, making it a physical attack scenario rather than a network-based vulnerability.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments where Storage Spaces Direct is implemented, particularly in scenarios involving shared physical infrastructure or unsecured server rooms. The ability to execute code with elevated privileges through physical access means that attackers can potentially gain full control over storage operations and underlying system resources. This could lead to data exfiltration, persistent backdoors, or further escalation attacks within the network infrastructure. Organizations using Windows Storage Spaces Direct in production environments face potential compromise of their entire storage ecosystem if this vulnerability is exploited.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate patching and operational security improvements. Microsoft has released security updates addressing this specific integer overflow condition, which organizations must deploy immediately across all affected systems. Additionally, implementing physical security controls such as restricted access to server rooms, proper asset tagging, and monitoring of unauthorized hardware modifications becomes critical. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while regular vulnerability assessments should include checks for similar integer overflow conditions in storage subsystems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of attack under T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell" and T1490 for "Inhibit System Recovery", highlighting the potential for both execution and persistence capabilities once the vulnerability is successfully exploited.