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CVE-2026-42985

Remote Desktop Client Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published: Jun 9, 2026Updated: Jul 23, 2026 Sources: CVE List NVD BDUCWE-416
8.8HIGH
NVD MITRE
EPSS Score
1.3%
Top 33.3%
CISA KEV
Not in KEV
Exploits
No Known Exploits
Remediation
Patch Available
Self-Check
OpenVAS

Description

Use after free in Remote Desktop Client allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.

In plain language

AI Act now

This is a Remote Desktop Client weakness where a remote attacker may be able to run malicious code on your device without needing authentication, so you should update if you use Remote Desktop—this is a high-risk issue (RED).

Executive summary

CVE-2026-42985 is a remote code execution vulnerability in the Remote Desktop Client (heap-based buffer overflow) that can be triggered by an unauthorized network attacker without authentication (user interaction is required), leading to high impact on Windows devices running affected versions.

If affected, business impact
Malware running on company devicesFull compromise of affected machinesData theft riskBusiness disruption from downtime

What to do now

  1. Check whether the device is running Remote Desktop Client / the Windows versions listed as affected (Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server editions).
  2. Verify the installed Remote Desktop Client / Windows build version and compare it to the fixed versions for your specific product line.
  3. Install the vendor update that contains the fix for CVE-2026-42985 (use the Microsoft Update Guide for your exact platform).
  4. If you can’t update immediately, reduce exposure by limiting access to Remote Desktop features and the network paths that could reach the Remote Desktop Client from outside your organization.
Patch / advisory Usually a quick update

CVSS Vector Breakdown

AV:NAC:LPR:NUI:RS:UC:HI:HA:H
Exploitability
AV:NAttack Vector
Network
AC:LAttack Complexity
Low
PR:NPrivileges Required
None
UI:RUser Interaction
Required
Scope
S:UScope
Unchanged
Impact
C:HConfidentiality
High
I:HIntegrity
High
A:HAvailability
High
Open in CVSS calculator →

Weaknesses

CWE-416CWE-787

Affected Products

Microsoft Corp
commercial·USaka Microsoft, microsoft corporation
Remote Desktop client for Windows DesktopOn-premDesktop App
Operating Systems / windows
Windows 10 Version 1607On-premOS
Operating Systems / windows
Windows 11 version 23H2On-premOS
Operating Systems / windows
Windows App Client for Windows DesktopOn-premDesktop App
Operating Systems / windows
Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation)On-premOS
Operating Systems / windows
Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation)On-premOS
Operating Systems / windows
Windows Server 2016 (Server Core installation)On-premOS
Operating Systems / windows
Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)On-premOS
Operating Systems / windows
and 51 more affected products View all →

Exploitability

Official Patch Available
Is your org exposed to CVE-2026-42985?We can run the check for you — a free external exposure review, no install. Check my exposure

Attack Graph

Products CVE Techniques Tactics

Click technique nodes for MITRE ATT&CK details · drag to pan · Ctrl/⌘ + scroll to zoom, or go fullscreen.

MITRE ATT&CK

2 techniques
Initial Access
Privilege Escalation
View detailed technique mapping

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-42985
msrc.microsoft.com
News mentions
6

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