Junglewise Threat Intelligence

CVE-2026-56168: Microsoft Windows SMB Server null pointer dereference

CVE-2026-56168 · Severity: medium · CVSS 6.5 · Published 2026-07-14

Technologies: Microsoft Windows 10 Version 21H2, Microsoft Windows 11 Version 26H1, Microsoft Windows 11 Version 24H2, Microsoft Windows Server 2025, Microsoft Windows Server 2022, Microsoft Windows 10 Version 22H2, Microsoft Windows 10, Microsoft Windows 11, Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2. Vendors: Microsoft.

Executive brief

A vulnerability in the Windows Server Message Block (SMB) service could allow an authorized user to crash the system remotely. SMB is a standard protocol used by Windows for sharing files and printers across a network. While this flaw does not allow for data theft, it can be used to disrupt business operations by causing a denial-of-service state on affected servers and workstations.

Technical details

A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability (CWE-476) exists in the Microsoft Windows SMB Server component. An attacker with low-privileged network access can exploit this flaw by sending specially crafted requests to the SMB service. Successful exploitation results in a denial-of-service (DoS) condition, typically manifesting as a system crash or service interruption. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server. Microsoft has released security updates to address this issue.

Affected products

  • Microsoft Windows 10 Version 21H2 10.0.19044.0 to 10.0.19044.7548
  • Microsoft Windows 10 Version 22H2 10.0.19045.0 to 10.0.19045.7548
  • Microsoft Windows 11 Version 24H2 10.0.26100.0 to 10.0.26100.8875
  • Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 10.0.26200.0 to 10.0.26200.8875
  • Microsoft Windows 11 version 26H1 10.0.28000.0 to 10.0.28000.2269
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2022 10.0.20348.0 to 10.0.20348.5386
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2025 10.0.26100.0 to 10.0.26100.33158

Timeline

  • 2026-07-14: advisory: Initial publication by Microsoft and NVD

References

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