CVE-2026-83569 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 10/14/2026
Heap-based buffer overflow in HID Parser Library allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2026
The vulnerability identified involves a heap-based buffer overflow within the Human Interface Device (HID) parser library, a critical component responsible for interpreting and processing input data from peripheral devices such as keyboards, mice, and game controllers. This specific flaw arises when the library fails to adequately validate the length or structure of incoming HID reports before copying them into allocated memory buffers on the heap. An authorized attacker who has local access to the system can exploit this lack of bounds checking by crafting a maliciously formatted HID report that exceeds the expected buffer size. When the parser processes this oversized input, it writes data beyond the boundaries of the intended memory allocation, overwriting adjacent heap metadata or other critical data structures stored in contiguous memory locations.
This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-122, which denotes a heap-based buffer overflow, and aligns with MITRE ATT&CK technique T1068, specifically relating to exploitation for privilege escalation through software vulnerabilities. The operational impact of this flaw is severe because it allows an attacker who already possesses local user privileges to execute arbitrary code within the context of a higher-privileged process or kernel space, depending on how the HID parser is integrated into the operating system architecture. By carefully controlling the overflow payload, the attacker can manipulate function pointers or return addresses stored in the heap metadata, thereby gaining control over program execution flow. This capability effectively bypasses standard user-level security controls and results in a complete compromise of system integrity, confidentiality, and availability.
The presence of this vulnerability highlights significant gaps in input validation practices within legacy or poorly maintained driver components that handle raw hardware data. Since HID devices are ubiquitous and often trusted implicitly by the operating system, attackers can leverage physical access to plug in malicious peripherals or exploit software interfaces that simulate such inputs remotely if applicable. The exploitation does not require complex remote network interactions but rather relies on local execution capabilities, making it particularly dangerous for systems where multiple users share administrative rights or where privilege boundaries are loosely enforced.
Mitigation strategies must focus on immediate patching of the affected HID parser library to ensure that all input lengths and structures are rigorously validated before memory allocation and copying operations occur. Developers should implement strict bounds checking mechanisms and utilize safe string handling functions that prevent out-of-bounds writes. Additionally, enabling heap protection features such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) can mitigate the likelihood of successful exploitation by making it harder for attackers to predict memory layouts or execute injected code. System administrators should also enforce least-privilege principles, ensuring that services running HID parsers operate with minimal necessary permissions to limit the potential impact if an exploit is attempted. Regular security audits and static analysis tools focused on buffer overflow detection are recommended to identify similar flaws in other components of the input stack before they can be weaponized by malicious actors.