CVE-2026-54125

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

Windows Runtime Race Condition Privilege Escalation

Publication date: 2026-07-14

Last updated on: 2026-07-21

Assigner: Microsoft Corporation

Description

Concurrent execution using shared resource with improper synchronization ('race condition') in Windows Runtime allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
Percentile:

Meta Information

Published

2026-07-14

Last Modified

2026-07-21

Generated

2026-08-04

AI Q&A

2026-07-15

EPSS Evaluated

2026-08-02

NVD

CVE-2026-54125

EUVD

EUVD-2026-44146

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
microsoft	windows_10_1809	to 10.0.17763.9020 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_1809	to 10.0.17763.9020 (exc)
microsoft	windows_server_2019	to 10.0.17763.9020 (exc)
microsoft	windows_server_2022	to 10.0.20348.5386 (exc)
microsoft	windows_server_2025	to 10.0.26100.33158 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_21h2	to 10.0.19044.7548 (exc)
microsoft	windows_10_22h2	to 10.0.19045.7548 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_24h2	to 10.0.26100.8875 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_26h1	to 10.0.28000.2525 (exc)
microsoft	windows_11_25h2	to 10.0.26200.8875 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-416	The product reuses or references memory after it has been freed. At some point afterward, the memory may be allocated again and saved in another pointer, while the original pointer references a location somewhere within the new allocation. Any operations using the original pointer are no longer valid because the memory "belongs" to the code that operates on the new pointer.
CWE-362	The product contains a concurrent code sequence that requires temporary, exclusive access to a shared resource, but a timing window exists in which the shared resource can be modified by another code sequence operating concurrently.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

CVE-2026-54125 is a race condition vulnerability in the Windows Runtime. A race condition occurs when multiple processes or threads access a shared resource without proper synchronization, leading to unpredictable behavior.

In this case, the vulnerability allows an authorized attacker with local access to exploit the improper synchronization in the Windows Runtime. This could enable the attacker to elevate their privileges on the affected system.

Detection Guidance

The provided context does not include specific detection methods or commands for identifying this vulnerability on a network or system. Detection typically requires analyzing Windows Runtime components for improper synchronization patterns, which may involve code review or specialized security tools.

Microsoft may provide detection guidance or updates in their official security advisory. Checking the Microsoft Update Guide (Resource 1) for additional details or patches is recommended.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability could have the following impacts:

An attacker with local access to your system could gain elevated privileges, allowing them to perform actions they would not normally be authorized to do.
Elevated privileges could enable the attacker to install malicious software, modify system configurations, or access sensitive data.
The attacker could potentially take full control of the affected system, leading to further compromise of your network or data.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could impact compliance with common standards and regulations in the following ways:

GDPR: If the vulnerability leads to unauthorized access to personal data, it could result in a data breach. Under GDPR, organizations must protect personal data and report breaches within 72 hours. Failure to do so could lead to significant fines.
HIPAA: For organizations handling protected health information (PHI), this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to PHI. HIPAA requires safeguards to protect PHI, and a breach could result in penalties and mandatory corrective actions.
Other standards like ISO 27001 or NIST frameworks require organizations to manage vulnerabilities and protect systems from unauthorized access. Exploitation of this vulnerability could indicate a failure to meet these requirements.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the security update provided by Microsoft as soon as possible. The vulnerability is addressed in the patch referenced in the Microsoft Update Guide (Resource 1).

Ensure all systems running affected versions of Windows Runtime are updated to the latest secure version.
Restrict local access to authorized users only, as the vulnerability requires local privileges to exploit.
Monitor Microsoft’s security advisories for any additional mitigation steps or workarounds.

Hi! I’m here to help you understand CVE-2026-54125. Ask me anything about the vulnerability, its impact, or mitigation strategies.

0/70