CVE-2026-41089

CVE-2026-41089 is a stack-based buffer overflow (CWE-121) in the Netlogon service of Windows Server. An unauthenticated remote attacker can trigger it by sending crafted network requests to the Netlogon RPC interface, with no privileges or user interaction required per the CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N). Successful exploitation yields remote code execution with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact; on domain controllers, where Netlogon runs by default, this typically means compromise of a critical authentication server and risk of broader domain compromise. All organizations running the affected Windows Server versions (2012, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2022 23H2, and 2025) are in scope, with Active Directory domain controllers the highest-value targets. Microsoft fixed the flaw in its May 2026 Patch Tuesday release (138 vulnerabilities patched), and security reporting indicates the RCE is being exploited with domain controllers at risk; a public proof-of-concept is available, it is not yet in CISA KEV, and EPSS assigns a 79.6% probability of exploitation within 30 days.

What to do: Apply Microsoft's May 2026 cumulative security updates (or later) to all listed Windows Server versions, prioritizing domain controllers. Until patched, restrict unauthenticated network access to domain controllers' Netlogon/RPC interfaces (e.g., limit TCP 135 and dynamic RPC ports to trusted hosts) and monitor for anomalous Netlogon activity. The flaw is not yet in CISA KEV, but treat it as actively exploited given current reporting and the available public PoC.