CVE-2026-42985
HIGH 8.8Heap-based buffer overflow in Remote Desktop Client allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
ELEVATED IMPACT
Severe if exploited (CVSS 8.8), but no known exploitation and low modeled probability. Patch on a normal cadence.
Exploitation likelihood
1.0%chance of exploitation in 30 days · 58th percentile
○ In CISA KEV
○ Public exploit / PoC
Impact if exploited
8.8CVSS 3.1 · HIGH
- ConfidentialityHigh
- IntegrityHigh
- AvailabilityHigh
What an attacker needs
- ✓Access: Reachable over the network — no local access needed
- ✓Privileges: No account or privileges required
- ⚠User interaction: A user must take an action (click / open a file)
- ✓Complexity: No special conditions — reliably repeatable
✓ lowers the bar for an attacker · ⚠ raises it
Affected
Vendors Microsoft
Products Remote Desktop Client For Windows Desktop Windows 10 Version 1607 Windows 10 Version 1809 Windows 10 Version 21h2 Windows 10 Version 22h2 Windows 11 Version 23h2 Windows 11 Version 24h2 Windows 11 Version 25h2
Weakness (CWE)
- CWE-416: Use after free
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C