CVE-2026-62738 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2026
Out-of-bounds read in Windows Management Instrumentation allows an authorized attacker to disclose information locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) component that affects Windows operating systems. The issue arises from improper input validation and memory handling within WMI's processing mechanisms, specifically when handling certain management queries or data structures. When an authorized local attacker submits malformed or specially crafted WMI requests, the system fails to properly bounds-check array accesses or buffer operations, leading to unintended memory reads beyond allocated boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from CWE-129, which addresses insufficient validation of length of input buffers, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations that may result in information disclosure. WMI operates as a core Windows management framework that provides standardized access to system information and management data, making it a prime target for attackers who can leverage local privileges to execute malicious queries. The vulnerability manifests when WMI processes certain CIM (Common Information Model) queries or management objects that contain improperly validated indices or array references.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables an attacker with local user privileges to potentially extract sensitive information from system memory, including credentials, configuration data, or other confidential information stored in adjacent memory regions. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can provide attackers with footholds for further exploitation, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities or techniques that could escalate privileges. Attackers typically exploit such flaws by crafting specific WMI queries that trigger the out-of-bounds read condition, potentially accessing memory locations containing valuable data.
The attack vector requires local system access, meaning the attacker must already have authenticated user credentials on the target system. However, this limitation does not diminish the severity of the vulnerability, as local privilege escalation techniques can often be employed to gain these initial credentials. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to address this vulnerability promptly, as the Windows Management Instrumentation service remains a critical component in enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies include applying the latest security patches from Microsoft, which typically involve fixing the input validation mechanisms within WMI components and implementing proper bounds checking for memory operations. Additional defensive measures encompass restricting local access privileges where possible, monitoring WMI activity for anomalous query patterns, and implementing network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement. Security teams should also consider disabling unnecessary WMI services or implementing strict access controls through Group Policy settings to minimize the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in system-level components that handle sensitive data processing operations.