CVE-2026-62713 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2026
Heap-based buffer overflow in Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2026
This vulnerability exists within the Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver, which operates at the kernel level to provide file system filtering capabilities for cloud storage integration. The heap-based buffer overflow occurs when the driver processes specially crafted input data through its filtering mechanisms, allowing an authenticated local user to exploit memory corruption patterns that can be leveraged for privilege escalation. The flaw resides in improper bounds checking and memory management within the driver's handling of user-supplied data structures, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious payloads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow pattern where insufficient input validation allows an attacker to write beyond allocated buffer boundaries into adjacent heap memory regions. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in kernel-mode drivers because the execution context operates at the highest privilege level, making successful exploitation directly translate into system compromise. The attack vector requires local authentication since the driver operates within the trusted Windows kernel environment, but once exploited, the attacker gains elevated privileges that can be used to establish persistence, escalate further, or access sensitive system resources.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a reliable method to gain SYSTEM-level access on compromised systems. The local authentication requirement means that adversaries must first obtain valid user credentials, but this barrier is often overcome through various initial compromise techniques such as credential theft, phishing attacks, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities in the Windows environment. Once the attacker has local access and successfully exploits the heap overflow, they can execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing most Windows security controls including user access control and integrity checks.
The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through kernel-mode exploits and persistence mechanisms that can be established using elevated privileges. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver is commonly present on enterprise systems that rely on cloud storage integration, making the target population broad across various Windows environments. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patch deployment from Microsoft as the primary defense mechanism, along with network segmentation to limit local access, implementation of least privilege principles for user accounts, and monitoring for suspicious kernel-mode activities. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments targeting kernel drivers and implement application whitelisting policies to prevent exploitation through unauthorized code execution pathways while maintaining operational security controls that detect unusual privilege escalation patterns in system logs and event records.