CVE-2026-54996 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
Concurrent execution using shared resource with improper synchronization ('race condition') in Windows USB Print Driver 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 scenario within the Windows USB print driver implementation that enables local privilege escalation for authenticated users. The flaw occurs when multiple threads or processes attempt to access shared system resources without proper synchronization mechanisms, creating opportunities for malicious code execution and unauthorized privilege elevation. The vulnerability specifically affects the Windows USB print driver component, which handles communication between USB printing devices and the operating system's print subsystem.
The technical implementation of this race condition stems from inadequate mutex or semaphore controls during concurrent access to critical driver resources. When legitimate print operations occur simultaneously with malicious attempts to manipulate shared memory structures or registry entries, the timing window allows an attacker to inject malicious code or modify privileged data structures. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-362 which specifically addresses race conditions in concurrent programming environments where improper synchronization leads to security flaws. The underlying mechanism typically involves exploiting the temporal gap between resource availability checks and actual resource modification operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability requires an attacker to already possess a valid user account on the target system, making it a local privilege escalation issue rather than a remote attack vector. However, the impact is significant as successful exploitation can elevate privileges from standard user level to SYSTEM level access, providing complete control over the affected Windows system. Attackers typically leverage this vulnerability by creating race conditions during print job processing or driver initialization phases where shared resources are accessed concurrently. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation techniques using race conditions and process injection methods, specifically targeting the Windows kernel and driver components.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper synchronization controls within the print driver code, including robust mutex mechanisms, atomic operations, and comprehensive input validation for concurrent access scenarios. Microsoft has addressed similar issues through regular security updates and patches that enhance driver isolation and resource management protocols. System administrators should ensure timely deployment of security patches and consider implementing additional monitoring controls to detect anomalous print driver behavior. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper concurrency control in kernel-mode drivers and demonstrates how seemingly benign shared resource access can become a critical security weakness when synchronization mechanisms are inadequate. Organizations should also implement least privilege principles and regularly audit print driver configurations to minimize potential exploitation opportunities.