{"description":"Trending threats, MITRE ATT\u0026CK coverage, and detection metadata. Fed continuously.","feed_url":"https://feed.craftedsignal.io/products/azure-connected-machine-agent/feed.json","home_page_url":"https://feed.craftedsignal.io/","items":[{"_cs_actors":[],"_cs_cpes":[],"_cs_cves":[{"cvss":7.8,"id":"CVE-2026-40381"}],"_cs_exploited":false,"_cs_has_poc":false,"_cs_poc_references":[],"_cs_products":["Azure Connected Machine Agent"],"_cs_severities":["high"],"_cs_tags":["privilege-escalation","azure","access-control"],"_cs_type":"advisory","_cs_vendors":["Microsoft"],"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eCVE-2026-40381 describes an improper access control vulnerability within the Azure Connected Machine Agent. An authorized attacker who already possesses some level of access to a system running the agent can exploit this flaw to elevate their privileges to a higher level on the local machine. This means an attacker can potentially gain administrative or system-level control, enabling them to perform unauthorized actions, install malicious software, or access sensitive data. This vulnerability was published on May 12, 2026, and is rated as High severity with a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8. Successful exploitation allows a local attacker to escalate their privileges.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"attack-chain\"\u003eAttack Chain\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn attacker gains initial authorized access to a system with the Azure Connected Machine Agent installed. This access could be achieved through legitimate credentials or by exploiting another vulnerability.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe attacker identifies a component or function within the Azure Connected Machine Agent that is susceptible to access control bypass.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe attacker crafts a malicious request or input that exploits the improper access control mechanism.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe attacker executes their crafted exploit, leveraging the compromised component.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe agent processes the malicious request, failing to properly validate the attacker\u0026rsquo;s authorization level.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAs a result of the bypassed access control, the attacker is granted elevated privileges within the system.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe attacker leverages these elevated privileges to perform unauthorized actions, such as installing malicious software or modifying system configurations.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe attacker achieves their final objective, such as establishing persistence, exfiltrating sensitive data, or disrupting system operations.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"impact\"\u003eImpact\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuccessful exploitation of CVE-2026-40381 allows a local attacker to escalate their privileges on a system running the Azure Connected Machine Agent. This could lead to complete compromise of the affected machine, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, installation of malware, and disruption of services. Since the Connected Machine Agent is designed to manage machines connected to Azure, a successful attack can have significant implications for the security of cloud resources and connected on-premises infrastructure. The severity is high due to the potential for complete system compromise.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"recommendation\"\u003eRecommendation\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApply the security update released by Microsoft to patch CVE-2026-40381 as soon as possible. Refer to the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) advisory linked in the references section.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonitor systems running the Azure Connected Machine Agent for suspicious activity indicative of privilege escalation attempts. Deploy the Sigma rules provided in this brief to your SIEM to detect potential exploitation.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImplement the principle of least privilege to limit the initial access rights of users and processes on systems running the Azure Connected Machine Agent. This can reduce the impact of successful exploitation.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnable process creation logging to capture command-line arguments and other process details. This will enhance the fidelity of the Sigma rules.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n","date_modified":"2026-05-12T18:45:39Z","date_published":"2026-05-12T18:45:39Z","id":"https://feed.craftedsignal.io/briefs/2026-05-cve-2026-40381/","summary":"CVE-2026-40381 is a vulnerability in the Azure Connected Machine Agent that allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally due to improper access control.","title":"CVE-2026-40381: Azure Connected Machine Agent Improper Access Control Vulnerability","url":"https://feed.craftedsignal.io/briefs/2026-05-cve-2026-40381/"}],"language":"en","title":"CraftedSignal Threat Feed — Azure Connected Machine Agent","version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1"}