CVE-2026-50315 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
Null pointer dereference in Windows Image Acquisition allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2026
A null pointer dereference vulnerability exists within the Windows Image Acquisition component that enables authenticated attackers to achieve local privilege escalation. This flaw occurs when the system fails to properly validate pointer references during image acquisition operations, creating a condition where a null pointer is accessed without proper null checks. The vulnerability resides in the kernel-mode driver responsible for handling image acquisition requests from user-mode applications, specifically during the processing of device communication protocols. When an attacker crafts malicious input or manipulates the image acquisition process, the system attempts to dereference a null pointer, leading to unpredictable behavior that can be exploited to escalate privileges from standard user level to SYSTEM level access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the Windows Image Acquisition service which processes various image formats and device communication protocols. The flaw typically manifests when processing malformed image data or when manipulating device handles during acquisition operations. According to CWE-476, this represents a null pointer dereference condition that can be exploited through improper handling of uninitialized or invalid pointers. The vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions including windows 10, windows server 2016, and windows server 2019 where the image acquisition service is enabled. Attackers can leverage this weakness by creating malicious image files or manipulating device communication sequences that trigger the vulnerable code path in the kernel driver.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with complete system control without requiring additional attack vectors. Once elevated to SYSTEM privileges, adversaries can modify system files, install persistent backdoors, access all user data, and manipulate system configurations. The local nature of this exploit means that no network connectivity is required for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical access is possible or where attackers have already established a foothold through other means. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation techniques and can be classified under T1547 which addresses registry run keys and startup folder modifications that often follow successful privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment as provided by Microsoft security updates, which address the underlying null pointer dereference issue in the image acquisition component. System administrators should implement least privilege principles to limit user access to image acquisition services and disable unnecessary device drivers when possible. The principle of defense in depth suggests monitoring for unusual image acquisition activity or process behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing kernel-mode exploit protection features such as control flow guard and address space layout randomization can help prevent successful exploitation even if patches are not immediately available. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary image acquisition services through group policy settings and monitor system logs for evidence of privilege escalation attempts that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.