Description

Heap-based buffer overflow in Windows Remote Access API allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Executive Summary

Technical Details

Mitigations

References

Additional Metadata

{
  "score": "7.8",
  "pubDate": "2026-08-11T17:18:55.170Z",
  "pubdate": "2026-08-11T17:18:55.170Z",
  "executiveSummary": "This vulnerability is classified as a heap-based buffer overflow affecting the Windows Remote Access API. The flaw enables an authorized local attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of a higher privilege level, resulting in local privilege escalation.\nThe affected product is the Windows Remote Access API component. The primary risk implication is the potential compromise of host integrity and confidentiality, as a low-privileged local user can leverage this vulnerability to gain elevated system privileges.\nAttacker capabilities include local code execution with elevated privileges. Exploitation requirements dictate that the attacker must already possess authorization to interact with the Windows Remote Access API locally on the target system.",
  "technicalDetails": "The vulnerability resides in the Windows Remote Access API, specifically within memory management routines handling dynamic buffers allocated on the heap.\nThe root cause is an insufficient bounds check or integer handling error when processing input data passed to the API. When an authorized local attacker supplies crafted input exceeding the expected size boundaries of the allocated heap chunk, a heap-based buffer overflow occurs.\nExploitation involves the corruption of adjacent heap metadata and control structures. By carefully manipulating heap layouts and overflowing the targeted buffer, an attacker can overwrite critical function pointers or sensitive data structures residing on the heap.\nThe attack flow proceeds as follows: First, the local attacker establishes interaction with the vulnerable Windows Remote Access API using authorized local methods. Second, the attacker formulates a malicious payload containing oversized data designed to breach the boundaries of the target heap buffer. Third, upon submission of the payload, the vulnerable component fails to properly validate the input length, writing past the allocated heap boundary. Finally, control flow redirection or data tampering occurs, allowing the execution of arbitrary instructions with the privileges of the vulnerable service or process.\nAuthentication requirements specify that the attacker must be authorized to access the local API. Privilege requirements are low, as standard local users can initiate the vulnerable operations. Network exposure is strictly local, as the attack vector requires local access or a pre-established local session to interface with the API. Payload behavior targets process memory integrity to achieve privilege escalation, culminating in post-exploitation impact characterized by full local system compromise."
}