CVE-2026-59117 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 07/17/2026
Integer overflow or wraparound in Windows Terminal allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical integer overflow condition that exists within the Windows Terminal application, creating a potential remote code execution vector for unauthorized attackers. The flaw occurs when the application processes input data that exceeds the maximum value that can be represented by an integer variable, causing the value to wrap around to a much smaller number. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions that can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation. The issue manifests when Windows Terminal handles network-based input streams or remote connections where attacker-controlled data can be processed through integer arithmetic operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to craft malicious input that, when processed by the terminal application, triggers the integer wraparound condition. This occurs during parsing operations where the application performs calculations on user-supplied data without proper bounds checking or validation. When the integer variable overflows and wraps around, it can result in memory corruption that attackers can manipulate to redirect program execution flow. The attack typically involves sending specially crafted network traffic or command sequences that cause the application to perform arithmetic operations leading to the overflow condition. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which covers exploiting weaknesses in input validation and processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a direct path to execute arbitrary code on systems running Windows Terminal. Since the vulnerability is network-based, attackers do not require local system access or user interaction to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where terminal applications may be exposed to external networks. The exploitation process can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors within the affected infrastructure. Organizations using Windows Terminal for remote administration or development work are especially vulnerable as these scenarios provide multiple attack vectors for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment from Microsoft as the primary defense mechanism. System administrators must ensure all instances of Windows Terminal are updated to versions that address this specific integer overflow condition. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of terminal applications to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous network traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, configuring firewall rules to restrict unnecessary network access to terminal services, and conducting regular security assessments of terminal application usage within the organization. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in preventing such critical security flaws that can lead to complete system compromise through seemingly benign network operations.