Description

Heap-based buffer overflow in Windows DHCP Server allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over an adjacent network.

Executive Summary

Technical Details

Mitigations

References

Additional Metadata

{
  "score": "8.8",
  "pubDate": "2026-08-11T17:18:36.500Z",
  "pubdate": "2026-08-11T17:18:36.500Z",
  "executiveSummary": "This vulnerability is a heap-based buffer overflow affecting the Windows DHCP Server. The flaw allows an unauthorized threat actor to achieve arbitrary code execution over an adjacent network. The risk implications are severe, as successful exploitation could lead to full compromise of the affected DHCP server component, potentially enabling lateral movement or denial of service within the local network segment. The attacker capabilities include remote code execution without requiring prior authentication, provided the attacker has logical access to the adjacent network where the Windows DHCP Server is listening for DHCP requests. Exploitation requirements are constrained by network adjacency, meaning the attacker must be on the same local area network or broadcast domain to interact directly with the vulnerable service. No specific software versions or additional prerequisites are provided in the input, but standard heap corruption dynamics apply to this class of memory safety vulnerability.",
  "technicalDetails": "The vulnerability is a classic heap-based buffer overflow residing within the Windows DHCP Server service. The root cause stems from improper bounds checking or memory management when processing incoming network packets or data structures allocated on the heap. Specifically, when the vulnerable component handles maliciously crafted DHCP messages, it fails to adequately validate the size of input data relative to the allocated destination heap buffer.\nThe attack flow begins with the unauthorized attacker positioned on the adjacent network. The attacker transmits a specially crafted DHCP packet containing malicious payload data directed at the Windows DHCP Server. Upon receipt, the vulnerable component parses the packet and writes data into a heap-allocated buffer without enforcing strict length constraints. This results in a heap buffer overflow, overwriting adjacent heap metadata or critical application data structures.\nThrough precise heap manipulation and payload construction, an attacker can corrupt adjacent memory chunks to alter program control flow. When the execution flow is successfully hijacked, the injected payload executes with the privileges of the Windows DHCP Server service, which typically runs with elevated system privileges. The post-exploitation impact includes arbitrary code execution, system compromise, and potential propagation across the adjacent network environment."
}