Windows NTFS Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Plan PatchCVSS 7.8CVE-2026-69709Sep 8, 2026
Microsoft
IT in OT - Windows Server and Active Directory are widely deployed in OT environments
Attack path
Attack VectorLocal
Auth RequiredLow
ComplexityLow
User InteractionNone needed
Summary
A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the Windows NTFS file system driver. An authorized local user can craft a malicious NTFS file that triggers the overflow and executes arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have a valid local user account and the ability to create or modify files on an NTFS volume.
What this means
What could happen
An authorized user on a Windows system could exploit a buffer overflow in the NTFS file system driver to run arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire system.
Who's at risk
Any organization running Windows 10, Windows 11, or Windows Server 2016–2025 installations. This affects both standard desktop systems and server environments, including Server Core installations. Any system where local users have file system access is at risk.
How it could be exploited
An attacker with a local user account creates or manipulates a specially crafted NTFS file that triggers the heap buffer overflow when the system accesses it. This allows code execution in the kernel context with full system privileges.
Prerequisites
- Local user account on the Windows system
- Ability to create or modify files on an NTFS-formatted volume
- System must parse or process the malicious file
Low complexity exploitationRequires local user account (not unauthenticated)Affects all supported Windows versionsExploit code unlikely to be public (low EPSS score)
Exploitability
Unlikely to be exploited — EPSS score 0.3%
Affected products (26)
26 with fix
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Remediation & Mitigation
0/3
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption
HOTFIXApply Microsoft's September 2026 security update to all Windows systems
Long-term hardening
0/2HARDENINGRestrict local user account creation and limit account privileges to essential personnel only
HARDENINGMonitor file system access and NTFS operations for suspicious activity in security logs
CVEs (1)
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