# CVE-2026-50426: Microsoft Windows DNS Server relative path traversal code execution

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-50426-microsoft-windows-dns-server-relative-path-traversal-code  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-07-14. Updated: 2026-07-14  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-50426 · Severity: medium · CVSS 6.8 · Published 2026-07-14

A vulnerability in the Microsoft Windows DNS Server component could allow an authorized user to execute malicious code on the server. The DNS Server is a critical piece of infrastructure that translates human-readable web addresses into IP addresses. If exploited, an attacker could gain full control over the server, potentially leading to data theft or significant network disruption.

Technologies: [Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-server-2012-r2), [Microsoft Windows 10](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-10), [Microsoft Windows Server 2012](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-server-2012), [Microsoft Windows Server 2016](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-server-2016), [Microsoft Windows Server 2019](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-server-2019). Vendors: [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-50426 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-50426 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-50426?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 6.8, published 14 July 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Microsoft Windows 10 < 10.0.14393.9339; Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Server 2012 < 6.2.9200.26226; Server 2012 R2 < 6.3.9600.23291; Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Server 2016 < 10.0.14393.9339; Server 2019 < 10.0.17763.9020.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-50426?** 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-2026-50426 attacked?** It is attacked from the adjacent network, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-50426?** Check whether you run Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2, Microsoft Windows 10, Microsoft Windows Server 2012 or one of the others listed at an affected version. 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

A relative path traversal vulnerability (CWE-23) exists in the Microsoft Windows DNS Server. The flaw allows an attacker with high privileges (PR:H) to bypass directory restrictions and execute arbitrary code. The attack vector is limited to the adjacent network (AV:A), meaning the attacker must be on the same local network or subnet as the target server. Successful exploitation grants the attacker full system access (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability impact). Microsoft has released security updates to address this issue across affected Windows and Windows Server versions.

## Affected products

- Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1607 < 10.0.14393.9339
- Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 < 10.0.17763.9020
- Microsoft Windows Server 2012 / 2012 R2 Server 2012 < 6.2.9200.26226; Server 2012 R2 < 6.3.9600.23291
- Microsoft Windows Server 2016 / 2019 Server 2016 < 10.0.14393.9339; Server 2019 < 10.0.17763.9020

## Timeline

- 2026-07-14: disclosed
- 2026-07-14: advisory

## References

- [https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-50426](https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-50426)

## Related threats

- [Microsoft Windows Recovery Environment UEFI/BIOS password bypass](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-116638-the-windows-recovery-environment-winre-in-windows-10-and-11-may)
- [Windows DNS Server out-of-bounds read](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-97844-out-of-bounds-read-in-dns-server-allows-an-authorized-attacker-to)
- [Windows DNS Server out-of-bounds read information disclosure](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-97843-out-of-bounds-read-in-dns-server-allows-an-authorized-attacker-to)
- [Windows DNS Server out-of-bounds read information disclosure](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-97842-out-of-bounds-read-in-dns-server-allows-an-authorized-attacker-to)
- [Windows DNS Server out-of-bounds read](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-97841-out-of-bounds-read-in-dns-server-allows-an-authorized-attacker-to)