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CVE-2026-69730

mass

Use-After-Free RCE in Windows DNS Server

CVSS 3.1
9.8 critical
EPSS
1%p62
Published
()
Modified
AI analysis

CVE-2026-69730 is a use-after-free memory corruption flaw (CWE-416) in the Windows DNS service that allows an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code by sending crafted network traffic to the affected system. Because the flaw is network-exploitable with no privileges or user interaction required (CVSS 3.1 9.8), any system running the vulnerable DNS service is a direct target. Successful exploitation would give the attacker code execution in the context of the DNS service, which on Windows Server typically runs with high privileges such as SYSTEM, and could enable wormable spread between vulnerable hosts. Affected organizations are those running the Windows DNS Server role — a component deployed on virtually all Windows Server domain controllers and on dedicated Windows DNS servers, especially those exposed to untrusted networks. As of the September 2026 Patch Tuesday release, there is no known public proof-of-concept, the flaw is not listed in CISA's KEV, and it has not been confirmed exploited in the wild, though it was flagged among roughly 20 'wormable' bugs and described in press coverage as a successor to the 2020 SigRed Windows DNS RCE.

What to do: Apply Microsoft's September 2026 Patch Tuesday security updates to every Windows Server running the DNS Server role as soon as possible, prioritizing internet-facing DNS servers and domain controllers. Until patched, limit exposure of TCP/UDP port 53 from untrusted networks and restrict remote management surfaces. Because the bug is rated wormable and shares characteristics with the 2020 SigRed DNS RCE, treat unpatched domain controllers as high priority and check DNS service event logs for unexpected restarts or anomalous query handling.

Affected
Microsoft Windows DNS Server role (Windows Server)—
Estimated exposure
massplausibly millions of Windows Server deployments running the DNS Server role (ubiquitous on Active Directory domain controllers), with tens of thousands of… — The DNS Server role is installed by default or by convention on Windows Server domain controllers hosting Active Directory-integrated DNS, making total deployments on the order of millions, while internet-wide scans (e.g., Shodan/Censys)…

Order-of-magnitude estimate by the model from install counts, market share and public scan data it knows; verify before quoting.

Description

Use after free in Windows DNS allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.

Weakness
CWE-416
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
NVD CVE.org GitHub PoCs EPSS (1.1%)

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