CVE-2026-50494 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
Heap-based buffer overflow in Windows NTFS allows an authorized attacker to execute code locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the Windows NTFS file system implementation that enables authenticated local attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management practices within the ntfs.sys kernel driver responsible for handling NTFS file system operations. When legitimate user processes interact with NTFS volumes through specific file operations or system calls, the vulnerable code path fails to properly bounds-check data structures allocated on the heap, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory regions with malicious payloads.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental principles of heap memory corruption, where attacker-controlled data is written beyond the boundaries of allocated memory blocks. This particular flaw falls under the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in heap memory allocations rather than stack-based buffers. The attack requires local system access and authentication since the vulnerability exists within kernel-level drivers that are accessible only to authenticated users with appropriate privileges. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious file system operations or data structures that trigger the vulnerable code path when the ntfs.sys driver processes these inputs.
From an operational impact perspective, successful exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively providing complete system compromise without requiring additional attack vectors or escalation techniques. The attacker gains the ability to modify system files, install persistent backdoors, extract sensitive data, and manipulate system behavior at the most privileged level. This represents a significant elevation in attack capabilities since local access is sufficient for achieving full system control without needing network-based exploitation methods or social engineering. The vulnerability affects Windows operating systems that utilize NTFS file systems including various versions of windows 10, windows server 2016, and related platforms where the ntfs.sys driver remains active.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of microsoft security updates and patches that address the heap buffer overflow in the ntfs.sys driver. System administrators should implement the principle of least privilege and restrict local user access to systems where possible. Network segmentation and endpoint protection solutions can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious file system activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular system hardening practices including disabling unnecessary services, implementing secure configuration baselines, and maintaining updated antivirus signatures should be enforced. The vulnerability aligns with attack techniques described in the mitre att&ck framework under the privilege escalation and persistence tactics, specifically targeting kernel-level exploitation methods that enable long-term system control. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar heap-based buffer overflow issues within other kernel drivers and system components to prevent similar exploitation vectors from being discovered and weaponized.