CVE-2026-50361 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
Double free in Microsoft Brokering File System allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2026
The vulnerability in Microsoft Brokering File System represents a critical double free error that enables local privilege escalation for authorized attackers. This flaw exists within the file system broker component responsible for managing file access permissions and resource allocation across Windows systems. The double free condition occurs when the system attempts to release the same memory block twice during file operation processing, creating a potential exploitation vector that can be leveraged by malicious actors with legitimate user credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the brokering component where allocated memory structures are freed multiple times without proper validation. When an authorized user performs specific file operations through the brokered interface, the system's memory deallocation routines execute incorrectly, potentially allowing an attacker to manipulate heap metadata or inject malicious code into the process space. This memory corruption vulnerability aligns with CWE-415 which specifically addresses double free conditions in memory management, and represents a classic example of heap-based exploitation techniques that can be amplified through privilege escalation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation as it provides attackers with elevated system privileges that can be used to bypass security controls, access restricted resources, or establish persistent access to affected systems. Attackers with authorized user accounts can exploit this condition to gain SYSTEM-level privileges without requiring administrative credentials or additional attack vectors. The exploitation process typically involves crafting specific file operations that trigger the memory corruption, followed by code execution within the elevated context of the brokered process.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates that address the underlying memory management flaw in the Brokering File System component. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual file access patterns or memory allocation behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include restricting unnecessary user permissions, implementing least privilege principles for file system operations, and deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices in system-level components and highlights how seemingly minor flaws in core operating system functionality can create significant security risks. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral analysis tools that can detect anomalous heap manipulation patterns consistent with double free exploitation techniques, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through system binary modification and memory corruption attacks.