CVE-2026-62796 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2026
Out-of-bounds read in Windows NTFS 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 NTFS file system implementation that enables authenticated local attackers to extract sensitive information from memory regions beyond the intended data boundaries. The vulnerability manifests when the NTFS driver processes certain file system operations that involve buffer handling and memory access patterns, where insufficient bounds checking allows arbitrary memory reads to occur. Such flaws typically arise from improper validation of input parameters or inadequate boundary verification during file system metadata processing. The technical implementation involves the NTFS kernel driver's failure to properly validate array indices or buffer offsets when accessing file system structures, leading to memory access violations that can be exploited to read adjacent memory locations containing sensitive data such as credentials, encryption keys, or system information. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-125 which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions in software implementations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to confidential system data that could be leveraged for further exploitation. Local attackers who already possess valid user credentials can utilize this flaw to extract memory contents that may contain cached passwords, kernel memory structures, or other sensitive information. The attack vector requires local system access and authentication, making it a privilege escalation vulnerability within the context of local security controls. When combined with other vulnerabilities or exploitation techniques, this information disclosure capability could enable attackers to gather intelligence for more sophisticated attacks including credential harvesting, system reconnaissance, or bypassing security mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 which focuses on data from local system sources, and potentially T1059 for command execution if the disclosed information enables further attack progression.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate patching and defensive measures to reduce the attack surface. Microsoft releases regular security updates that address such kernel-level vulnerabilities through proper bounds checking implementations and memory access validation. System administrators should ensure timely deployment of relevant Windows updates, particularly those addressing NTFS file system components and kernel security improvements. Additional defensive measures include implementing least privilege principles for user accounts, monitoring for unusual local file system access patterns, and employing memory protection mechanisms such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention. Network segmentation and endpoint detection and response solutions can help identify potential exploitation attempts by monitoring for anomalous local system behavior. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments focusing on kernel-level vulnerabilities and maintain updated threat intelligence regarding similar flaws in file system implementations that may indicate broader exploitation patterns or related vulnerabilities within the Windows operating system ecosystem.