CVE-2026-97805 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 10/15/2026
Out-of-bounds read in Windows Partition Management Driver allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2026
The vulnerability identified as an out-of-bounds read within the Windows Partition Management Driver represents a critical security flaw that compromises the integrity of system memory and potentially leads to remote code execution. This specific driver, which is integral to how Microsoft Windows handles disk partitioning operations, contains a logic error where it fails to properly validate input parameters before accessing array elements or buffer regions in kernel mode. When an attacker interacts with this component over a network interface, they can supply crafted data that causes the driver to read memory locations beyond the intended boundaries of allocated buffers. This type of flaw is classically categorized under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities where software reads past the end of a buffer or array. The severity of this issue stems from its location in kernel space, granting any process that can trigger the vulnerability access to sensitive system memory and potentially arbitrary code execution capabilities with high privileges.
The operational impact of exploiting this flaw is severe because it allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network without requiring prior authentication on many configurations or by leveraging existing low-privilege sessions. By carefully crafting the malicious input, an attacker can cause the driver to leak information from adjacent memory structures, which may reveal pointers to other kernel objects or security-critical data. More critically, if the out-of-bounds read is part of a larger exploitation chain involving heap corruption or use-after-free conditions, it can be leveraged to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the operating system's most privileged account. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, as well as T1068, Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, since gaining control over kernel memory typically allows an attacker to bypass user-mode security boundaries and install rootkits or establish persistent backdoors. The ability to execute code remotely makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network-facing services might inadvertently trigger the vulnerable driver routines during routine disk management operations or through maliciously crafted storage requests.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the latest security patches released by Microsoft, which correct the boundary checks within the partition management logic. Administrators should ensure that all systems are updated to versions that include fixes for CVE-2024-38076 and related kernel vulnerabilities. In addition to patching, network segmentation can reduce the attack surface by limiting direct access to systems running vulnerable services from untrusted networks. Security monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous behavior associated with driver loading or unusual memory access patterns that might indicate an exploitation attempt. Furthermore, enforcing strict input validation on any custom applications or scripts that interact directly with disk management APIs can help prevent the delivery of malformed data packets that trigger this flaw. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focused on kernel-level interactions are recommended to identify similar misconfigurations before they can be exploited by adversaries seeking elevated privileges within a networked environment.