CVE-2026-69768

9.8

Microsoft · Windows

A heap-based buffer overflow in the Windows RNDIS component allows an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.

Executive summary

A critical heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the Windows RNDIS component allows remote, unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code, posing a severe risk to system integrity.

Vulnerability

This vulnerability is a heap-based buffer overflow (CWE-122) within the Windows Remote Network Driver Interface Specification (RNDIS) driver. An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this flaw over a network to achieve remote code execution without user interaction.

Business impact

The CVSS score of 9.8 reflects the critical nature of this vulnerability, as it requires no privileges or user interaction to facilitate full system compromise. Successful exploitation could lead to total loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability, resulting in unauthorized data access, lateral movement within the network, and significant operational disruption.

Remediation

Immediate Action: Apply the vendor-supplied security updates immediately to all affected Windows systems. Refer to the Microsoft Security Update Guide for the specific patch corresponding to your operating system version.

Proactive Monitoring: Monitor network traffic for anomalous RNDIS activity or unexpected crashes in system services. Review endpoint logs for signs of unauthorized process execution or memory corruption patterns.

Compensating Controls: Ensure that network-level segmentation is in place to restrict access to potentially vulnerable interfaces. Utilize host-based firewalls to block unnecessary network traffic to RNDIS-related endpoints where possible.

Exploitation status

Public Exploit Available: No

Analyst recommendation

Due to the critical severity and the potential for unauthenticated remote code execution, this vulnerability demands immediate attention. Organizations should prioritize patching all affected Windows instances to eliminate the risk of exploitation. Failure to apply these updates leaves systems exposed to potential compromise by remote adversaries.

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History

  1. Disclosed CVE record published
  2. Collected by CVE Brief via github
  3. Analyst report written
  4. Published in the daily brief critical section

Sources