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CVE-2026-20868:

Critical heap-based buffer overflow in Windows RRAS allows remote code execution.


Score
Info
A numerical rating that indicates how dangerous this vulnerability is.

8.8High
  • Published Date:Jan 13, 2026
  • CISA KEV Date:*No Data*
  • Industries Affected:20

Threat Predictions

  • EPSS Score:0.1
  • EPSS Percentile:30%

Exploitability

  • Score:2.8
  • Attack Vector:NETWORK
  • Attack Complexity:LOW
  • Privileges Required:NONE
  • User Interaction:REQUIRED
  • Scope:UNCHANGED

Impact

  • Score:5.9
  • Confidentiality Impact:HIGH
  • Integrity Impact:HIGH
  • Availability Impact:HIGH

Description Preview

Critical heap-based buffer overflow in Windows RRAS allows remote code execution.

Overview

The vulnerability in Windows RRAS is a heap-based buffer overflow, classified as CWE-122. It can be exploited remotely with low attack complexity and requires no privileges, though user interaction is necessary. The attack vector is network-based, allowing for remote exploitation. If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could lead to a complete compromise of system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The critical nature of RRAS in network infrastructure makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on Windows server environments.

Remediation

  • To mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability, organizations should:
  • 1. Apply the security update provided by Microsoft as soon as it becomes available.
  • 2. Implement network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors.
  • 3. Monitor RRAS-related network traffic for suspicious activity.
  • 4. Consider temporarily disabling RRAS if not critically needed until a patch is applied.
  • 5. Ensure all Windows systems, especially those running RRAS, are kept up-to-date with the latest security patches.
  • 6. Implement the principle of least privilege for user accounts and services.
  • 7. Use intrusion detection and prevention systems to identify and block potential exploitation attempts.

References

Industries Affected

Below is a list of industries most commonly impacted or potentially at risk based on intelligence.

High
Public Administration icon
Public Administration
Medium
Utilities icon
Utilities
Retail Trade icon
Retail Trade
Manufacturing icon
Manufacturing
Educational Services icon
Educational Services
Finance and Insurance icon
Finance and Insurance
Transportation and Warehousing icon
Transportation and Warehousing
Health Care and Social Assistance icon
Health Care and Social Assistance
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation icon
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
Other Services (except Public Administration) icon
Other Services (except Public Administration)
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services icon
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Low
Mining icon
Mining
Information icon
Information
Construction icon
Construction
Wholesale Trade icon
Wholesale Trade
Real Estate Rental and Leasing icon
Real Estate Rental and Leasing
Accommodation and Food Services icon
Accommodation and Food Services
Management of Companies and Enterprises icon
Management of Companies and Enterprises
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting icon
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services icon
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services

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