Heap-based Buffer Overflow in Windows NTFS

Executive Summary

CVE-2026-50461 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Windows NTFS. This flaw allows an unauthorized attacker to execute arbitrary code on a vulnerable system locally. A heap-based buffer overflow occurs when a program writes more data to a buffer than it can hold, corrupting or overwriting adjacent memory on the heap, which can lead to code execution, crashes, or other unintended behavior.

The vulnerability is classified with a CVSS v3.1 BaseScore of 7.8, indicating a high severity. The vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H means the attack requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), user interaction (UI:R), and has high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Detection Guidance

The provided context does not include specific detection methods or commands for identifying CVE-2026-50461 on a network or system. Detection typically involves checking for vulnerable versions of Windows NTFS or using security tools that scan for known vulnerabilities.

For accurate detection, refer to Microsoft's official guidance or use their recommended tools, such as the Microsoft Safety Scanner or Windows Update to check for patches.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can have severe impacts if exploited. Here are the potential consequences:

• Local code execution: An attacker with access to the system could run malicious code with the same privileges as the logged-in user or the affected process.
• System compromise: Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to take full control of the affected system, install malware, or steal sensitive data.
• Data corruption or loss: The vulnerability could lead to system crashes or data corruption, disrupting normal operations.
• Privilege escalation: If the affected process runs with elevated privileges, the attacker could gain higher-level access, such as administrator or SYSTEM privileges.

Since the vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, the risk is higher in environments where multiple users share a system or where attackers can trick users into executing malicious files.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability can impact compliance with several common standards and regulations, depending on the context of the affected system:

• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): If the vulnerable system processes or stores personal data of EU citizens, exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access or disclosure of that data. GDPR requires organizations to implement appropriate security measures to protect personal data, and a failure to patch or mitigate this vulnerability could be seen as a violation of Article 32 (security of processing).
• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): For organizations handling protected health information (PHI), this vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to sensitive patient data. HIPAA requires covered entities to implement safeguards to protect PHI, and failing to address this vulnerability could lead to non-compliance with the Security Rule.
• PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard): If the affected system processes, stores, or transmits payment card data, exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to a breach of cardholder data. PCI DSS requires regular patching and vulnerability management to protect such systems, and this vulnerability would need to be addressed to maintain compliance.
• Other regulations: Depending on the industry and jurisdiction, other standards like NIST, ISO 27001, or sector-specific regulations may also require organizations to mitigate vulnerabilities like this to maintain compliance.

Organizations should assess the risk posed by this vulnerability in the context of their specific compliance obligations and take appropriate steps to mitigate it, such as applying patches or implementing compensating controls.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Mitigation Strategies

• Apply the latest security updates from Microsoft as soon as they are available. Refer to the Microsoft Update Guide for CVE-2026-50461 for patch details.
• Restrict local access to systems running vulnerable versions of Windows NTFS to minimize exposure.
• Monitor Microsoft's security advisories for additional mitigation steps or workarounds.

Since this is a local vulnerability, ensuring that only trusted users have access to affected systems can reduce the risk of exploitation.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0