CVE-2026-50492 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
Heap-based buffer overflow in Windows Resilient File System (ReFS) 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 heap-based buffer overflow within the Windows Resilient File System implementation that enables remote code execution through physical attack vectors. The flaw exists in how ReFS handles certain file operations and memory allocation patterns, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate heap memory structures and ultimately gain arbitrary code execution privileges. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited without requiring network connectivity or elevated privileges, making them attractive targets for sophisticated adversaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking during ReFS file processing operations where attacker-controlled data is copied into heap-allocated buffers without adequate validation. This type of flaw maps directly to CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when a program writes more data to a buffer allocated on the heap than the buffer can accommodate. The specific nature of the vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite critical function pointers or return addresses within the heap structure.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly impacts Windows environments that utilize ReFS volumes, particularly in enterprise settings where physical security controls may be insufficient or compromised. Attackers with physical access can leverage this weakness through maliciously crafted files or disk images that trigger the vulnerable code path during normal file system operations. The attack requires only physical presence and does not depend on network-based exploitation methods, making it particularly challenging to defend against in scenarios where unauthorized physical access is possible.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python, as attackers may utilize scripting languages to create malicious file structures that trigger the buffer overflow conditions. Additionally, this represents a privilege escalation vector under ATT&CK tactic TA0004 Privilege Escalation, where initial access through physical presence can lead to full system compromise. Organizations must consider both defensive measures and operational security protocols to prevent unauthorized physical access to systems running ReFS volumes.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patch deployment from Microsoft to address the heap overflow conditions in ReFS implementation, along with comprehensive physical security controls such as restricted access to server rooms and automated monitoring systems. Network segmentation and file system auditing can help detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while regular vulnerability assessments should specifically target ReFS-related configurations and file processing operations. The recommended approach combines both proactive patch management and reactive monitoring to establish defense-in-depth controls against this particular class of heap-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities.