OTPulse

Windows NTFS Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

MonitorCVSS 6.8CVE-2026-68833Sep 8, 2026
Microsoft
IT in OT - Windows Server and Active Directory are widely deployed in OT environments
Attack path
Attack VectorPhysical
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionNone needed
Summary

A heap-based buffer overflow in the Windows NTFS file system driver can be exploited through a specially crafted NTFS file system on attached storage media. When a Windows device mounts the malicious media, the overflow is triggered, allowing an attacker with physical access to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges.

What this means
What could happen
A physical attacker with access to a device's storage media could trigger a heap buffer overflow in the NTFS file system driver to execute code with system privileges. This could compromise any workstation or server running Windows, though in an OT environment this primarily affects engineering workstations and HMI systems.
Who's at risk
Windows IT infrastructure used in utilities, including Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 through 2025 systems. This affects engineering workstations, HMI systems, data historian servers, and any Windows-based systems with physical access risk.
How it could be exploited
An attacker must have physical access to attach malicious storage media (USB drive, external hard drive, or internal drive) containing a specially crafted NTFS file system to the target Windows device. When the device boots or mounts the media, Windows attempts to read the NTFS metadata and the buffer overflow is triggered, allowing code execution.
Prerequisites
  • Physical access to the device or its storage interfaces
  • Ability to attach or modify storage media connected to the device
  • Device must attempt to mount or access the malicious NTFS volume
requires physical accessno authentication required once media is mountedaffects all Windows 10 and Server versionsheap buffer overflow can lead to system-level code execution
Exploitability
Unlikely to be exploited — EPSS score 0.3%
Affected products (26)
26 with fix
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Windows 10 Version 1809 for 32-bit SystemsAll versionsBuild 10.0.17763.9245
Windows 10 Version 1809 for x64-based SystemsAll versionsBuild 10.0.17763.9245
Windows Server 2019All versionsBuild 10.0.17763.9245
Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)All versionsBuild 10.0.17763.9245
Windows Server 2022All versionsBuild 10.0.20348.5622
Remediation & Mitigation
0/4
Do now
0/1
HARDENINGImplement USB port controls or disable unused USB ports on critical workstations to prevent unauthorized storage media connections
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/2

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

Windows Server 2022
HOTFIXPrioritize patching Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2025, and Windows 11 systems first due to wider deployment in modern infrastructure
All products
HOTFIXApply the September 2026 Windows security update to all affected Windows 10 and Windows Server systems
Long-term hardening
0/1
HARDENINGRestrict physical access to workstations and servers, particularly engineering stations and HMI systems that interact with control networks
View full vendor advisory
API: /api/v1/advisories/26045c6e-fdf2-4011-a578-08eb237e421f

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