Microsoft Fixes Remote Code Execution Flaw in Windows Remote Desktop Client
Microsoft has patched a remote code execution vulnerability in the Windows Remote Desktop Client that could allow an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands over the network. The flaw is tracked as CVE-2026-69485 and carries a CVSS score of 8.8.
The vulnerability arises from the use of an uninitialized resource within the Remote Desktop Client. Under certain conditions, a specially crafted network request can trigger the issue and enable code execution without requiring any user interaction such as opening a file or clicking a link.
Successful exploitation grants an attacker the ability to access sensitive information, modify files, install additional tools, or disrupt services depending on the privileges available on the compromised system. The attack requires the adversary to already possess a low-privileged account on the target.
Affected platforms include multiple versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11, as well as Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2022, and Windows Server 2025, including Server Core installations.
Microsoft stated that the vulnerability had not been publicly disclosed before the fix and that no evidence of active exploitation exists. The company assesses the likelihood of future exploitation as low. Patches were distributed in the September security updates, including KB5124008 for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 and KB5122871 for Windows Server 2025.
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