CVE-2026-42974: Microsoft Windows Performance Monitor integer underflow remote code execution

CVE-2026-42974 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.1 · Published 2026-06-09

Windows Performance Monitor, a tool used to analyze system performance and resource usage, contains a critical security flaw. An unauthorized attacker could exploit this vulnerability over a network to gain control of the system and execute malicious code. This could lead to a complete compromise of the affected server or workstation, resulting in data theft or operational disruption.

Technologies: Microsoft Windows Performance Monitor. Vendors: Microsoft.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2026-42974 exploited in the wild?
No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-42974 being exploited in the wild.
How severe is CVE-2026-42974?
High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.1, published 9 June 2026.
Which products and versions are affected?
Microsoft Windows Performance Monitor.
Is there a fix for CVE-2026-42974?
No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.
How is CVE-2026-42974 attacked?
It is attacked over the network, in an operating system.
Am I affected by CVE-2026-42974?
Check whether you run Microsoft Windows Performance Monitor. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

Technical details

An integer underflow (wraparound) vulnerability exists in Windows Performance Monitor, identified as CWE-190. The flaw is triggered when the component improperly handles specific numerical inputs, leading to memory corruption. An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this over the network, though the CVSS 'Attack Complexity: High' metric suggests specific timing or environmental conditions may be required for successful exploitation. Successful exploitation allows for remote code execution (RCE) in the context of the affected service. Microsoft has released security updates to address this issue.

Affected products

  • Microsoft Windows Performance Monitor

Timeline

  • 2026-06-09: disclosed
  • 2026-06-09: advisory

References

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