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A time-of-check to time-of-use (TOCTOU) race condition is a class of vulnerability that arises from the gap between when a system checks the state of a resource and when it subsequently uses that resource. In the context of software installation and uninstallation, these processes typically run with elevated privileges to modify system directories, registry keys, and files. The vulnerability in CVE-2026-53410 exists precisely within this privileged window.
During a normal installation, the Zoom installer performs a “check” to verify that a target file or directory is safe to modify—for example, confirming it is a legitimate Zoom component. However, due to the race condition, an authenticated local attacker can manipulate the file system in the brief interval between this “check” and the subsequent “use” (the actual privileged file operation). By winning this race, the attacker can trick the installer into performing a privileged action (like copying, moving, or deleting a file) on an attacker-controlled location. This could allow the attacker to overwrite a critical system file, place a malicious executable in a trusted path, or delete a security control, ultimately achieving privilege escalation to SYSTEM or Administrator level. The complexity of successfully exploiting this race condition is considered high, as it requires precise timing, but the potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is also high.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: Windows
Version: <7.0.5
Vulnerability: TOCTOU Race
Severity: High (7.0)
date: 07/14/2026
Prediction: 07/14/2026
What Undercode Say:
Analytics indicate this is a high-complexity, locally exploitable flaw. The CVSS v3 vector is AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. The vulnerability affects multiple Zoom products for Windows, including Zoom Workplace, VDI Client, VDI Plugin, Rooms, and Remote Control for Zoom Contact Center. There are currently no public exploits available, and CISA has not listed it in its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. Endpoint hygiene and proactive patching are the primary defensive measures.
Check Zoom Workplace Version
Method 1: Using PowerShell to query the installed application
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "Zoom"} | Select-Object Name, Version
Method 2: Checking the executable's file properties
(Get-Item "C:\Program Files\Zoom\bin\Zoom.exe").VersionInfo.FileVersion
Check Zoom VDI Client Version (Example path)
(Get-Item "C:\Program Files\Zoom\VDIClient\bin\Zoom.exe").VersionInfo.FileVersion
Remediation: Upgrade to a fixed version using the official installer
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://zoom.us/client/latest/ZoomInstallerFull.msi" -OutFile "ZoomInstallerFull.msi"
msiexec /i ZoomInstallerFull.msi /quiet /norestart
Exploit: (Educational Purposes!)
- Reconnaissance: The attacker first identifies an affected system and confirms they have local, authenticated access.
- Race Triggering: The attacker initiates a privileged operation, such as an installation or uninstallation of an affected Zoom client.
- Symbolic Link (Junction) Attack: During the installation, a common technique is to use a symbolic link or directory junction. The attacker monitors the installer’s file operations. When the installer checks a target directory (e.g.,
C:\Program Files\Zoom\Plugin), it sees a legitimate location. The attacker then quickly deletes this directory and replaces it with a symbolic link pointing to a privileged system location (e.g.,C:\Windows\System32). - Privileged Write: When the installer proceeds to write a file to the now-linked directory, the operating system follows the link, and the file is written to the attacker’s chosen system folder with the installer’s elevated privileges.
- Code Execution: By writing a malicious DLL or executable to a trusted system path, the attacker can achieve arbitrary code execution with SYSTEM-level privileges on the next system boot or when a privileged process loads the malicious file.
Protection:
Patch Immediately: The primary and most effective mitigation is to update all affected Zoom products to the fixed versions. This includes Zoom Workplace (7.0.5), VDI Client (6.5.17/6.6.14), VDI Plugin (6.5.17/6.6.14), Zoom Rooms (7.0.5), and Remote Control for Zoom Contact Center (7.0.0).
Restrict Local Access: Limit local interactive logins to trusted users only. Enforce the principle of least privilege for all user accounts.
Monitor Installer Activity: Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor and alert on suspicious processes spawning from Zoom installers or unusual file system changes during installation/uninstallation routines.
Disable Unnecessary Installation: On highly sensitive systems, restrict the ability for non-administrative users to initiate software installations or uninstallations.
Impact:
Successful exploitation of CVE-2026-53410 allows a local, authenticated attacker to elevate their privileges on the affected Windows host. This can lead to a complete compromise of the system’s security, allowing the attacker to bypass local security controls, gain administrative or SYSTEM-level control, install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, and use the compromised host as a launching point for further attacks on the network.
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Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
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