CVE-2026-50461 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
Heap-based buffer overflow in Windows NTFS allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow condition within the Windows NTFS file system implementation that enables local privilege escalation through arbitrary code execution. The flaw occurs when the operating system processes certain file operations or metadata structures within the NTFS file system, specifically during memory allocation and data handling routines where insufficient bounds checking permits malicious input to overwrite adjacent heap memory regions. The vulnerability exists in the kernel-level components responsible for NTFS file system operations and can be exploited by an attacker with local access who crafts specially formatted file system operations or metadata that trigger the overflow condition.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic heap overflow pattern where allocated memory chunks on the heap are overwritten beyond their intended boundaries, potentially corrupting adjacent memory structures including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical control data. When the vulnerable code attempts to process the malicious input, it allocates memory on the heap and copies user-supplied data without proper validation of input size relative to available buffer space. This allows an attacker to overwrite heap metadata or control structures that govern memory allocation and deallocation processes. The specific nature of this flaw places it within the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category, which is classified as a direct attack vector requiring local system access for exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors or when executed in conjunction with additional exploits. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing standard user-mode security controls and gaining unrestricted access to the target system's resources, files, and processes. This represents a significant threat to enterprise environments where local access might be obtained through social engineering, physical access, or other initial compromise techniques. The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that NTFS is the default file system for modern windows operating systems and file operations are fundamental to all system functions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of microsoft security patches and updates as provided through standard windows update mechanisms or direct download from microsoft's security center. System administrators should also implement additional defensive measures such as disabling unnecessary file system features, implementing strict access controls, and monitoring for anomalous file system operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in kernel-level code, aligning with attack techniques documented in the mitre attack framework under privilege escalation tactics. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms such as address space layout randomization, data execution prevention, and heap integrity checking to reduce the effectiveness of exploitation attempts even when patches are not immediately deployed. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for this specific class of heap-based buffer overflow conditions within file system implementations and other kernel components.