CVE-2026-41089: Windows Netlogon Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Overview

Severity
Critical (CVSS 9.8)
CVSS Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C
Category
Remote Code Execution
Exploit Status
Not Exploited
Exploitation Likelihood
Less Likely
Patch Tuesday
2026-May
Released
2026-05-12

Description

Stack-based buffer overflow in Windows Netlogon allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.

FAQ

How could an attacker exploit this vulnerability? An attacker could send a specially crafted network request to a Windows server that is acting as a domain controller. If successful, this could cause the Netlogon service to improperly handle the request, potentially allowing the attacker to run code on the affected system without needing to sign in or have prior access.

Affected Products (13)

Windows

  • Windows Server 2019
  • Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)
  • Windows Server 2022
  • Windows Server 2022 (Server Core installation)
  • Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation)
  • Windows Server 2022, 23H2 Edition (Server Core installation)
  • Windows Server 2025
  • Windows Server 2016
  • Windows Server 2016 (Server Core installation)

ESU

  • Windows Server 2012
  • Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation)
  • Windows Server 2012 R2
  • Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation)

Security Updates (9)

Acknowledgments

Windows Attack Research &amp; Protection (WARP) with <a href="https://microsoft.com/">Microsoft</a>

Revision History

  • 2026-05-12: Information published.