CVE-2026-50378 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
Concurrent execution using shared resource with improper synchronization ('race condition') in Windows Key Guard 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 Key Guard component that enables local privilege escalation through improper synchronization of shared resources during concurrent execution scenarios. The underlying issue occurs when multiple threads or processes attempt to access and modify the same system resource simultaneously without adequate protective mechanisms, creating opportunities for malicious code injection and unauthorized privilege elevation.
The technical implementation of this race condition manifests in how Windows Key Guard manages authentication state transitions and credential handling within the operating system's security framework. When legitimate user authentication processes occur concurrently with malicious attempts to manipulate system resources, the lack of proper mutex locking or atomic operations allows an attacker to exploit timing windows where the system's security checks may be bypassed or manipulated. This flaw specifically affects the Windows Key Guard service which handles secure credential storage and authentication workflows.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability requires an authenticated user account with local access to the target system, making it a local privilege escalation vector rather than a remote attack surface. The attacker must possess valid login credentials to leverage this condition, but once exploited, the malicious code can elevate privileges to SYSTEM level access, enabling complete control over the compromised machine. This represents a significant security risk as it allows attackers who have already gained initial access to escalate their privileges without requiring additional authentication factors or exploiting additional vulnerabilities.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which specifically addresses race conditions in concurrent programming where multiple threads or processes access shared resources without proper synchronization mechanisms. From an adversary tactics perspective, this flaw maps to the privilege escalation techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1068 category for local privilege escalation and T1548 for abuse of privileges. The attack vector typically involves creating malicious code that executes concurrently with legitimate authentication processes, exploiting the timing window where the system's security checks are temporarily weakened.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper synchronization mechanisms including mutex locks, semaphores, or atomic operations when accessing shared resources within the Key Guard service. System administrators should ensure timely patching of affected Windows versions and consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious concurrent access patterns to the authentication subsystem. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of code reviews focusing on concurrency control mechanisms and adherence to secure coding practices that prevent race conditions in security-critical components.
The impact extends beyond immediate privilege escalation as successful exploitation can enable attackers to establish persistent access, modify system configurations, install malicious software, or extract sensitive data from the compromised system. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected Windows versions and implement appropriate controls to minimize exposure risk. Regular security updates and operational security measures including least privilege principles and monitoring for anomalous authentication patterns remain critical defensive strategies against this class of vulnerabilities.