CVE-2026-50426: Windows DNS Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Overview

Severity

Medium (CVSS 6.8)

CVSS Vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:H/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

Unlikely

Patch Tuesday

2026-Jul

Released

2026-07-14

Description

Relative path traversal in DNS Server allows an authorized attacker to execute code over an adjacent network.

FAQ

According to the CVSS score, the attack vector is adjacent (AV:A). What does this mean for this vulnerability? This attack is limited to systems connected to the same network segment as the attacker. The attack cannot be performed across multiple networks (for example, a WAN) and would be limited to systems on the same network switch or virtual network. According to the CVSS metric, privileges required is high (PR:H). What does that mean for this vulnerability? Successful exploitation of this vulnerability requires the attacker to be part of DnsAdmins group. As is best practice, regular validation and audits of administrative groups should be conducted.

Affected Products (15)

Windows

• Windows 10 Version 1809 for 32-bit Systems
• Windows 10 Version 1809 for x64-based Systems
• Windows Server 2019
• Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)
• Windows Server 2022
• Windows Server 2025 (Server Core installation)
• Windows Server 2025
• Windows 10 Version 1607 for 32-bit Systems
• Windows 10 Version 1607 for x64-based Systems
• 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 (6)

• 5099538
• 5099540
• 5099536
• 5099535
• 5099445
• 5099444

Acknowledgments

pwnky

Revision History

• 2026-07-14: Information published.